Update on Explosion at Brookhaven Lab

Propane leak suspected; 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; the building, located in a remote area of the site, sustained substantial damage.

The explosion appears to have been caused by a propane leak in the building. There is no evidence that the explosion was the result of a malicious act.

Adjacent facilities were not damaged by the explosion, and power and water in the area have been shut off.

Brookhaven officials have not yet estimated the cost of the damage. The Laboratory will conduct a full investigation into the cause of the explosion.

Brookhaven Lab's Police and Fire/Rescue Groups responded to the scene. 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.

Brookhaven National Laboratory notified county, local, and U.S. Department of Energy authorities about the emergency.

2008-10850  |  INT/EXT  |  Newsroom