2008 Woodie Awards
Employee Injured In Freeman Fire
Mechanical Explosion Leads to Burn Victim and Displaced Residents
Jessica Havery
Issue date: 10/14/04 Section: Opinion
- Page 1 of 1
A mechanical explosion in Grace Freeman Residence Hall on Tuesday injured a Physical Plant employee and displaced approximately 230 residents for nearly six hours, University Police Sgt. Kiernan Barrett said.
At approximately 1 p.m., "two Physical Plant employees were performing necessary repairs to the electrical panel in the Freeman Hall basement," Barrett said.
"The panel [malfunctioned] and there was an explosion sending the employee back 15 to 20 feet."
The injured employee, Michael Killian, suffered substantive burns to both his head and hands, Barrett said.
Killian's injuries were treated by Montclair State University's Emergency Medical Services' workers and responding Emergency Medical Technicians; he was then transported to St. Joseph's Hospital in Paterson for trauma, Barrett said.
After being treated for trama at St. Joseph's, "it is my understanding that he was then transported to St. Barnabas Hospital [in Livingston] for treatment of his burns," he said.
"[Killian's] face was singed and the rubber gloves seemed to be melted off his hands," Susan Sollenberger, sophomore Freeman Hall resident, said.
The explosion affected power in some areas of the building, necessitating a complete power shutdown, Barrett said.
"The laundry rooms, hallways, and lounges on [the seventh floor] were filled with smoke," Seth Asen, sophomore business major said.
"I think the buildings were evacuated because [university officials] were worried about additional fire hazards," Asen said.
For safety purposes, the building was evacuated. There was a lingering odor of smoke and gas within the building. However, PSE&G officials advised that there were no gas leak issues, Barrett said.
"They let us in to get some of our belongings, but did not tell [the students] how long we would be displaced," Sollenberger said.
"Many students were very understanding of the situation," Resident Director of Freeman Hall, Tayo Aribidesi said.
There was a large Residence Life staff support system, including at least 10 Resident Assistants and some Desk Assistants, to assist with the emergency, she said.
Residents were permitted back into Freeman Hall at 7:30 p.m. after the building and electrical systems were checked by PSE&G and Physical Plant officials, Barrett said.
The Physical Plant was not available for comment.
At approximately 1 p.m., "two Physical Plant employees were performing necessary repairs to the electrical panel in the Freeman Hall basement," Barrett said.
"The panel [malfunctioned] and there was an explosion sending the employee back 15 to 20 feet."
The injured employee, Michael Killian, suffered substantive burns to both his head and hands, Barrett said.
Killian's injuries were treated by Montclair State University's Emergency Medical Services' workers and responding Emergency Medical Technicians; he was then transported to St. Joseph's Hospital in Paterson for trauma, Barrett said.
After being treated for trama at St. Joseph's, "it is my understanding that he was then transported to St. Barnabas Hospital [in Livingston] for treatment of his burns," he said.
"[Killian's] face was singed and the rubber gloves seemed to be melted off his hands," Susan Sollenberger, sophomore Freeman Hall resident, said.
The explosion affected power in some areas of the building, necessitating a complete power shutdown, Barrett said.
"The laundry rooms, hallways, and lounges on [the seventh floor] were filled with smoke," Seth Asen, sophomore business major said.
"I think the buildings were evacuated because [university officials] were worried about additional fire hazards," Asen said.
For safety purposes, the building was evacuated. There was a lingering odor of smoke and gas within the building. However, PSE&G officials advised that there were no gas leak issues, Barrett said.
"They let us in to get some of our belongings, but did not tell [the students] how long we would be displaced," Sollenberger said.
"Many students were very understanding of the situation," Resident Director of Freeman Hall, Tayo Aribidesi said.
There was a large Residence Life staff support system, including at least 10 Resident Assistants and some Desk Assistants, to assist with the emergency, she said.
Residents were permitted back into Freeman Hall at 7:30 p.m. after the building and electrical systems were checked by PSE&G and Physical Plant officials, Barrett said.
The Physical Plant was not available for comment.