UCI Lab Accident Triggers Hazmat Evacuation

Two men and a woman were hospitalized as a precaution after a chemical spill in a laboratory at UC Irvine early today.

The spill occurred in the bio-chemistry building at 517 Biological Court around 12:10 a.m., Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Steve Concialdi said.

Concialdi said two UCI students performing unrelated research noticed fumes, evacuated the building’s third floor and called facility management. A five-member crew arrived at the laboratory and was overcome by the fumes, experiencing nausea and shortness of breath before calling 911.

Two of the five crew members had left when firefighters arrived, Concialdi said. The three remaining were treated for minor injuries and hospitalized, he said.

Twenty-five firefighters, including 10 hazmat specialists, used a six- gas monitor to ensure the air was cleared, Concialdi said.

The two students recovered quickly outside the building and were not hospitalized, he said.

City News Service; Photo: Pixabay.com