UPDATE 4:30 P.M.: Eight people were treated with "very minor injuries" after an explosion at University of Nevada, Reno caused by a possible mechanical failure, according to the University.
All eight people were treated by REMSA and released, the school says.
The explosion caused significant damage to two of the University’s student dorms, Argenta and Nye Halls.
Read the full statement from UNR below.
At 1 p.m. today there was an explosion caused by a possible mechanical failure that damaged Argenta and Nye Halls, two of the University’s student dorms, causing significant damage to the two buildings.
There were eight people treated by REMSA, all with very minor injuries. All have been treated and released.
The buildings are being checked floor by floor by fire and emergency crews for structural damage and for any remaining occupants. Our main focus is public safety and completing the search of the building. No one is missing.
Law enforcement is not looking for suspects. The first small explosion was witnessed by people on scene and was followed by a second larger explosion.
Virginia Street and Sierra Street are closed to traffic. If necessary, campus can be accessed from Evans Ave and the public is asked to avoid the area so emergency personnel can work.
Governor Steve Sisolak and City of Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve have been briefed and have offered their full support. University Polices Services have been joined by Reno, Sparks and Washoe County emergency crews in response to the incident.
Additional updates will be released as information becomes available.
Check website to see where students will be relocated. For information call 775-784-1113 or 775-682-8241.
The Nevada System of Higher Education and the Board of Regents say they are closely monitoring the situation.
“The safety of our students and staff is of paramount importance,” Chancellor Thom Reilly said. “We support the university in its recovery from this incident.”
Regents Chair Jason Geddes said, “Nothing is more important to us than the safety of our students, staff, and guests. We are here to support the university and any individuals impacted by this incident. Also, we’re thankful to university police and all emergency responders for their quick response to this incident.”
Chancellor Reilly added he has briefed Gov. Sisolak, who pledged support to UNR.
ORIGINAL STORY
RENO (AP) -- Police at University of Nevada, Reno say they're responding to a "utilities accident" following reports of an explosion at a dormitory.
Authorities said Friday that police officers and firefighters were on scene and advised people to stay away.</p>
READ RENO GAZETTE JOURNAL STORY
There has been a utilities accident on main campus. Police and fire are on scene. Please stay away from the area.
— Univ. of Nevada Reno (@unevadareno) July 5, 2019
There were no immediate reports of injuries.
Photos posted to social media showed extensive damage spanning multiple floors of a dormitory.
WARNING: Mild profanity in video below.
#UnrFire #fire #unr #ArgentaHall #ResidenceHalls #Dc #explosions #Nevada #Reno #towel Looks like no one will be staying in argenta this fall pic.twitter.com/okYrlcMYqK
— GrandMasteer X (@Mokstherock) July 5, 2019
13 Action News and the Associated Press contributed to this story.
