Chemical spill forces evacuation at VCU in Richmond

Chemical spill forces evacuation at VCU in Richmond

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A chemical spill prompted the evacuation of a school building on Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) campus Tuesday afternoon, with authorities asking the public to avoid the area.

Per a VCU spokesperson, the building had to be evacuated at about 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24 due to a chemical spill.

"[The spill] occurred due to a beaker in a microwave, causing it to malfunction and causing smoke," the spokesperson said. "The smoke was contained under a hood and inside one classroom."

June 24 "police emergency," hazmat situation at VCU's Oliver Hall. (Photo: Katelyn Harlow/8News)

June 24 "police emergency," hazmat situation at VCU's Oliver Hall. (Photo: Katelyn Harlow/8News)

June 24 "police emergency," hazmat situation at VCU's Oliver Hall. (Photo: Katelyn Harlow/8News)

June 24 "police emergency," hazmat situation at VCU's Oliver Hall. (Photo: Katelyn Harlow/8News)

At about 2:45 p.m., VCU Police alerted the public to a "police emergency" at Oliver Hall, located at 1015 W. Main St. in Richmond. Just before 3 p.m., hazmat crews arrived at the scene.

No additional information, including the exact nature of the spill or if there were any injuries, is available as of the time of reporting.

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VCU Police asked that the public avoid the area until further notice.

At 4:11 p.m., VCU Police released an update that the situation was resolved.