Pump Building Damaged Following Explosion at BNL, No Injuries to Workers

October 14, 2008

UPTON, NY - An explosion occurred at approximately 9:30 p.m. Monday, October 13, 2008, at a drinking water pump station on the U.S. Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory property. No one was injured in the event; the building sustained substantial damage.

Brookhaven Lab's Police and Fire/Rescue Groups have responded, and are on the scene assessing the situation. Access to the immediate area has been restricted. No evacuation of Lab facilities or employees was necessary. There is no risk to the general public from this event.

The cause of the explosion is being investigated, but is not thought to have been the result of a malicious act. Brookhaven officials have not yet estimated the cost of the damage.

Brookhaven National Laboratory notified county, local, and U.S. Department of Energy authorities about the emergency. The Department of Energy will conduct a full investigation into the cause of the explosion.

2008-10849  |  INT/EXT  |  Newsroom