March 7, 2017

Wallace Hall closed today (Wednesday, March 7) because of mercury spill

Classes in Wallace Hall at Wichita State University have been canceled and the building has been closed for the remainder of the day (Wednesday, March 7) for safety precautions because of a mercury spill. It was reported on Tuesday, March 6, that a spill occurred when a scientific instrument broke. The lab was closed immediately and the spill was confined to the lab.

University officials have called in an outside company to handle the cleanup.

After the cleanup is completed, the air quality of the building will be tested at 7 a.m. tomorrow (Thursday, March 9) to determine if the building can be safely occupied.

"Our first concern is the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff," said Royce Bowden, dean of the College of Engineering. "We are taking every precaution and doing whatever it takes to ensure that the building is safe before reopening."