Just after noon Wednesday, the boiler in the campus power plant near Esker Dining Hall exploded at UW-Whitewater. Seven people were in the building when the explosion occurred. Only one minor injury was reported, University Police Chief Matt Kiederlen said.
Interim Chancellor Richard Telfer said there will be no heat or hot water in any campus building, including all residence halls, for several days. The power plant is the central location for heat and steam distribution.
"We are advising students [in the residence halls] to keep their windows closed to preserve heat in the buildings," Telfer said.
The 12 residence halls are currently using reserved hot water. Telfer was unsure how long the reserve would last with approximately 3,300 students using the water for showers.
However, Telfer said asbestos being released into the air is the primary concern.
"Esker was evacuated and will be closed until further notice," Telfer said. "Because of the windows being blown out and the wind, asbestos can become airborne."
Direct exposure to asbestos can cause respiratory illness or Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer. The chances of developing an illness from one extreme exposure are not likely but still possible.
Drumlin Dining Hall and the University Center Down Under will be accepting meal transfers until Esker reopens.
At the time of the explosion, two contractors and five university employees were in the building, said Greg Swanson, director of Facilities Planning and Management. The only reported injury was a small abrasion to the knee of a contractor, who was in the building. He was transported to the hospital as a precautionary measure.
"We all feel very blessed no one was hurt," Swanson said. "We continue to count our blessings for their well being."
Swanson said medical professionals immediately examined the workers, and they will continue to receive medical check-ups in the coming days.
Sophomore Amy Chaffe witnessed the event, and said she was walking from Wells Hall when the explosion happened.
"I was looking ahead and there was this ball of fire that came out of the stack … and smoke came out of it," she said. "Then all of the windows exploded and a guy came running out [of the southeast corner of the building] to look to see what happened."
Damages to the building are currently being assessed by crews and engineers, Swanson said.
"The damage looks worse from the outside because of the windows being blown out," he said. "Our first effort is to contain and close the building."
Campus police are asking students to move their cars from Lot 17 and the surrounding area to any available spots that are not handicapped or reserved.
*More information will be posted when it becomes available.
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