Emergency declared at University

Dozens of firefighters responded to a fire alarm at the University of Southampton this morning, alerted to what was thought to be a hazardous materials incident. University Road was closed […]


Dozens of firefighters responded to a fire alarm at the University of Southampton this morning, alerted to what was thought to be a hazardous materials incident.

A chemistry experiment failed and caused alarm

University Road was closed at 6am while emergency services, including paramedics, a reported eight fire engines and specialist firefighting equipment, poured in to campus to respond to the potentially major incident.

University Road closed this morning. Image: Paul Rodga

The incident was fortunately found to be “very minor” involving an overnight chemistry experiment in an enclosed cabinet.

University Road and buildings on campus have since reopened.

University Road closed this morning. Image: Paul Rodga