Murray State University explosion: At least 1 hurt in blast at residence hall
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The scene after an explosion at Murray State University in Kentucky. (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives)
At least one person was hurt in an explosion at a residence hall at a college in southwest Kentucky Wednesday that officials believe was caused by a gas leak.
Murray State University said in a Facebook post the blast happened around 4:53 p.m. in New Richmond Hall, and is believed to have been caused by a gas leak.
At this time, one injury has been reported, according to Kentucky State Police. The injured man was transported by ground ambulance to Murray-Calloway County Hospital where he is listed in stable condition.
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Individuals are being asked by the school to stay out of the affected area until emergency officials have given the all clear.
Images posted on social media showed a large amount of debris across an open area next to the building.
The residence hall has four floors and houses approximately 268 residents, according to the school website.
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The Governor's Scholar Program, through which hundreds of students stay at Murray State every summer, according to WDRB-TV, tweeted that all its members are safe and accounted for.
A witness on the scene told WDRB the explosion sent debris into a nearby parking lot, and caused minor damage to nearby buildings.
The university is located about 120 northwest of Nashville, Tennessee.
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