Post-grad ‘recovering well’ after chemical explosion

The explosion tore through the fourth floor of the Donnan Building

burns chemical explosion donnan building liverpool phd student university of liverpool

A PhD Chemistry student who suffered face and hand burns when an unknown chemical exploded is still in hospital.

The “massive” explosion, which happened on Wednesday, shattered windows in the Donnan Building.

The unnamed post-grad was taken to hospital after his face and hands were burnt, but he is understood to be recovering.

A University of Liverpool spokesman said: “The post-doctoral researcher is recovering well. He remains in hospital for observation.”

The chemical explosion took place in a lab on Central Campus.

The Donnan Building was reopened on Thursday, but the lab where the explosion happened remains closed.

One construction worker employed told the Echo: “The back room on the top floor just blew to bits.

“It was a massive explosion and flames came out of the back window.

“There was a really loud bang and glass just showered down.”

An investigation involving the University, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and the Health and Safety Executive is under way to work out how the explosion happened.