D.C. Fire responds to report of explosion in Tompkins Hall

By Jeremy Diamond

September 3, 2014

Firefighters, with some in hazmat suits, leave Tompkins Hall of Engineering. Zach Montellaro | Hatchet Staff Photographer — Firefighters, some wearing hazmat suits, leave Tompkins Hall on Wednesday. Zach Montellaro | Hatchet Staff Photographer

D.C. Fire officials found no evidence of an explosion in Tompkins Hall after at least six fire trucks responded to reports of a small blast inside the engineering building Wednesday.

Firefighters were dispatched to 23rd Street shortly after 4 p.m., and investigated Room 207 in Tompkins Hall wearing hazmat suits, D.C. Fire and EMS spokesman Tim Wilson said. No injuries were reported.

A firefighter in a Hazmat suit discusses the scene with other officials. Zach Montellaro | Hatchet Staff Photographer — A firefighter in a hazmat suit talks with other officials on the scene. Zach Montellaro | Hatchet Staff Photographer

“There was an indication from several accounts that there was smoke, but there was no indication of an explosion,” Wilson said, adding that D.C. Fire will not conduct a follow-up investigation.

University spokeswoman Maralee Csellar said there was “no immediate danger” to students and faculty.

Eva Palmer, Mary Ellen McIntire and Colleen Murphy contributed reporting

The GW Hatchet

The GW Hatchet

D.C. Fire responds to report of explosion in Tompkins Hall