Hazardous material released in Engineering Sciences Building

By Lika Lezhava, Editor-in-Chief • August 30, 2023

Firetrucks from the Urbana Fire Department waited outside of the Engineering Sciences Building during the hazmat emergency on Wednesday.

Last updated Aug. 30 at 5:30 p.m.

The University released an Illini-Alert Emergency at 3:23 p.m.

“Hazardous materials” were released at 1101 Springfield Ave., the Engineering Sciences Building. The contents of this material or how it was released is unknown.

Students in the area were told to leave and avoid the area because of “possible inhalation hazard” according to the Illini-Alert.

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3:44 p.m.

A second Illini-Alert was sent at 3:44 p.m.

The fire department and Division of Research Safety were called to the scene and cleanup is in progress.

Students are still advised to avoid the area.

3:55 p.m.

Authorities believe that the chemical released was a combination of sodium hypophosphate and nickel sulphate. The pH was measured at 14, and mildly corrosive vapors were detected.

Hazmat teams were called to the scene.

4:28 p.m.

An Illini-Alert was sent at 4:28 p.m. saying the hazard has been contained. Officials continue to advise avoiding the area while clean up is underway.

5:30 p.m.

Illini-Alert was sent at 5:29pm. Emergency has ended, it is safe to resume all activities.

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Lika Lezhava, Editor-in-Chief

My name is Lika Lezhava and I am a senior in advertising with a minor in journalism. This is my second year with The Daily Illini, and I am excited to continue the legacy of our beloved 154-year-old news source. I began working for The DI in my sophomore year as a news reporter and became an assistant news editor soon thereafter. Within the next couple of weeks, I became the news editor and spent two rewarding months in that role. Finally, I rose to the position of editor-in-chief. Although I’ve worked my way up rather quickly, I have been able to see and experience every moving part that goes into a successful news source. If you have any general questions, please call our office at (217) 337-8300. For personal inquiries, feel free to reach out to me through email at [email protected], or over the phone (217) 337-8365.

Jacob Slabosz, Editor-in-Chief

Hey, I’m Jacob! I am currently a sophomore in computer engineering with a minor in German. I started at The Daily Illini in Fall 2022 as a news reporter and staff photographer, and by Spring 2023, I had worked my way to photo editor. Between March 2023 and March 2024, I was the Managing Editor for Visuals, and I have since taken over as Editor-in-Chief. When I’m not taking pictures for The DI or for fun, I enjoy cooking, water sports and tending to my numerous houseplants. I’m excited to use my background in coding to further automate out workspace processes and to see the content that our team produces!