Lab Explosion in Earth and Space Science Building Blasts Stony Brook University

An explosion blasted the Earth and Space Science building on Thursday at Stony Brook University in New York.  

The distrubance occurred about 4:30 p.m. with what the university called a "routine science experiment," injuring a graduate student and a faculty member, according to university spokeswoman Lauren Sheprow, via Newsday. They were immediately taken to the hospital following their injuries and are in "good condition."

Sheprow said structural damage has been contained to the lab and did not cause problems for other areas of campus. It is finals week at the state university.

Most lab-borne explosions occur when incompatible chemicals interfere or pressurize their containers to a limited point, according to the American Industrial Hygiene Association. 

A statement from the university notes that the building was evacuated following the explosion and partially reopened around 8 p.m. Sheprow said the explosion did not result in further risk to anyone else on the campus or other surrounding areas. 

"There is some structural damage to the lab itself," Sheprow said. "There is no risk for danger to anyone else in or around campus community."