Picture by Aaron Clayton
UPDATE: 3:17 p.m. Thursday, June 29: Kentucky State Police have transferred control of the explosion scene on the campus of Murray State University to the Kentucky State Fire Marshall’s Office. Based on preliminary investigation, the explosion is believed to have been related to a natural gas release. After consulting with state and federal prosecutors about preliminary findings, the incident is believed to be non-criminal in nature. However, the investigation is ongoing and is expected to take a significant amount of time.
KSP confirmed with Vanderbilt Medical Center this morning that Dakota Fields is still in stable condition.
UPDATE, 10 a.m. Thursday, June 29: Roadways near the Murray State University Campus have reopened to traffic.
Waldrop Street will remain closed between Chestnut Street and KY 121 to assist Kentucky State Police, ATF,and the Kentucky State Fire Marshal with their investigation.
Motorists are asked to continue avoid the area around the Murray State University Campus, if possible.
Structural Engineers are expected to be on site this morning to evaluate the building structure of the Richmond Hall residence hall.
**Original story **
MURRAY — Kentucky State Police are investigating the cause of an explosion Wednesday on the campus of Murray State University.
According to Jody Cash, KSP public information officer, emergency personnel remain on scene investigating the incident. Cash told reporters on scene that while it had initially been reported that a gas leak caused the blast and subsequent fire that blew out the lower south side of the new Richmond Hall residential facility in Murray, the source of the explosion had not been confirmed. The ATF, state fire marshal’s office and Kentucky Department of Emergency Management were called in to the scene, according to a KSP press release. Investigators expect to work through the night to assess the scene.
“It is still too early for us to even comment on what we believe may be the cause of the explosion,” Cash said. “Our investigators are still waiting to actually go in there and get eyes on inside of that building. We have been able to survey outside, but we are still waiting to go inside. So, it is very early on; we want to be for sure about what even what our preliminary investigation may show.”
Murray residents were left reeling in the wake of the blast, which occurred about 4:53 p.m. Wednesday, throwing debris and shattering windows in neighboring buildings. Witnesses reported feeling the shock wave up to 3 miles from the source.
One man – a worker later identified as Dakota Fields, 26, of Murray – was injured in the incident and taken to Murray Calloway County Hospital for treatment. He was later flown to Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn. Cash said he was still being treated for injuries not considered life-threatening. One other minor injury was reported, though the victim was treated at the scene and released. Murray Fire Department responders completed a sweep of the building and found no other victims inside.
Vice President of University Advancement Adrienne King told reporters at the site that as of 7:30 p.m. all remaining residential halls and eating facilities on campus had been searched and cleared of any potential danger. King said that MSU students enrolled in summer classes staying at Hester College, as well as high school student participants in Adventures in Math and Science, Governor Scholars Program and Commonwealth Honors Academy had been accounted for and relocated to safer areas of campus.
Parents and concerned residents were directed to find updates as they developed at murraystate.edu.
King said university officials had not yet determined what effect the incident would have on summer classes.
“At this time we can’t verify the state and the extent of the damage,” King said.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) officials closed roads surrounding the north end of MSU campus, specifically along 16th Street at intersections with all state highways to facilitate emergency response efforts. Residents were asked to avoid the area, and roads were expected to be closed for a minimum of four hours, according to KYTC.
Additional details will be released as they become available.