Update: Suspected Hazmat Incident Evacuates Adelphi Science Building

Update 5:06 p.m.: According to Adelphi University officials, the Nassau County Hazmat Unit has taken multiple readings in the science building and has determined that the air quality is safe. As a precaution, the university decided to close the building at 4:45 p.m. to allow for additional ventilation. Evening classes will be rescheduled or classes will be held in other buildings. A notice will be posted online and on the science building entrance doors. The science building will re-open on Tuesday.

******

At approximately 1 p.m. Monday the science building at Adelphi University was evacuated after a suspected hazardous material incident.

According to university officials, the Department of Public Safety received a call from an Adelphi professor who stated that during a class in the science building there had been a hazardous material incident. The building was evacuated and the Garden City Fire Department and Nassau County Fire Marshal's office responded to the scene. 

At approximately 2:30 p.m. the fire marshal's Hazmat Unit determined that the incident had been properly cleared, university officials told Patch, and that all occupants could return to the building.

According to a witness at the scene, shortly after the building was cleared, emergency crews were recalled to the scene for several people suffering from a burning sensation in their eyes.

University officials said all occupants of the class and those in the immediate area were checked by medical personnel and released.

Photos by Lou Minutoli