Boston police and fire departments responded to a startling incident at Harvard Medical School's prestigious Gordon Hall on Wednesday, where authorities say an individual intentionally set off an explosion inside a research laboratory.
The controlled detonation occurred around 11:30 a.m., prompting the immediate evacuation of the entire building located at 25 Shattuck Street. While the explosion was confirmed to be intentional, law enforcement officials were quick to emphasize that there was no malicious intent behind the act.
Swift Emergency Response
First responders arrived swiftly at the scene, securing the area and ensuring all occupants safely exited the building. Harvard University police confirmed that no injuries were reported, and the explosion caused only minor damage to the laboratory where it occurred.
"The building has been evacuated and there is no threat to the public," stated a representative from the Harvard University Police Department in their initial assessment of the situation.
Ongoing Investigation
While the immediate danger has passed, investigators remain on scene working to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the explosion. The Boston Police Department's Bomb Squad was dispatched to conduct a thorough sweep of the facility as a precautionary measure.
Authorities have not released details about the individual responsible for the explosion or what materials were used to create the blast. The incident raises important questions about security protocols in sensitive research environments, even as officials maintain there was no broader threat to campus safety.
Gordon Hall houses multiple research laboratories and academic departments, making it a crucial component of Harvard Medical School's research infrastructure. The building has since been deemed safe for re-entry following comprehensive security checks.
