"Gas Smell Detected" Gas Leak in Korea University Laboratory...120 Evacuated in Commotion

Argon Gas Leak at Shingong Engineering Building
120 Evacuated... No Casualties Reported

At around 5:30 PM on the 5th, a gas leak accident occurred in a laboratory at Korea University in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, causing about 120 people to evacuate.

Goryeo University Campus View

According to the fire authorities, a report was received that gas was leaking and there was a smell in a laboratory on the 5th floor of the New Engineering Building at Korea University that afternoon.

The fire department dispatched 46 personnel and 9 vehicles. Police, district office, and other related agencies also responded to the scene, and it was confirmed that argon, an inert gas, leaked during the experiment.

Argon is a colorless and odorless inert gaseous element that is harmless to humans but is heavier than air. Therefore, if a large amount leaks in a confined space, it can lower the oxygen concentration.

As a result of this accident, about 120 people including school officials and students inside the building evacuated, but fortunately, no casualties occurred. The building is currently under control, and the school stated that ventilation will continue.

Meanwhile, in June, a steam incident occurred in a laboratory at Asan Science Building at Korea University, causing about 70 people to evacuate. At that time, the steam was reported to have been generated by heat during the process of cleaning equipment used with sodium hydroxide and alcohol.