Update on boiler explosion at campus power plant
Released: April 16, 2008
About noon Wednesday, April 16, a backup boiler in the power plant on the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater campus exploded. There were seven workers in the building, which is located on the north side of campus. One worker received minor injuries that are not life threatening.
Contractors have been hired to assist with the clean up and a review of the campus' heating units will be conducted.
There will be some impact on students until the boiler can be repaired. Esker Dining Hall, which is located east of the power plant, was evacuated as a precaution due to the release of asbestos that was used to insulate the boiler. Esker Hall will be closed until further notice. Students have been contacted via e-mail about dining alternatives. Hours of service have been extended at Drumlin Dining Hall on the west side of campus.
As a result of the explosion, the campus will be without heat and hot water for several days. Students are being asked to conserve heat and not open their residence hall room windows.
"We are grateful that no one was seriously injured in this accident and we ask that the students be patient with us while we remedy the situation," Interim Chancellor Richard Telfer said.
At the time of the explosion, two contract workers were doing routine maintenance on the boiler. The cause of the explosion is under investigation, however no foul play is suspected.
Updated information will be posted on the campus' Web site as it becomes available.
- Sara Kuhl,kuhls@uww.edu
