UPDATE – 12:35 p.m. – Western’s Physical Plant and Campus Police have confirmed that a buildup of snow around heating vents was the cause of a carbon monoxide buildup in Elgin Hall this morning that set off a carbon monoxide detector. Police and Fire Safety evacuated the residence as a precaution.
“Approximately 500 students and staff at Elgin Hall evacuated safely and were able to go across the street to Medway-Sydenham Hall”, said Susan Grindrod, Associate Vice-President of Housing and Ancillary Services at Western. “The evacuation went smoothly and students did a great job of looking after each other. Our Hospitality Services staff warmed people up with hot drinks, and it wasn’t long before the students were able to return to Elgin.”Sergeant Steve Dykeman of Campus Community Police Service confirmed that Physical Plant staff will be visiting all residences to ensure that vents are clear.
ELGIN HALL EVACUATED FOR BRIEF PERIOD
Original Post – 11:10 a.m. – Elgin Hall, a student residence on the campus of The University of Western Ontario was evacuated for less than an hour Tuesday morning due to carbon monoxide detectors being activated. Campus Police were called to the residence, and to ensure the safety of students, officers immediately activated fire alarms to evacuate the building. Students were moved to Medway Sydenham Hall, but have now been allowed to return to building.?The fire department is on scene and have given the all clear. Initial suspicions pointed to the possibility that high snowfall may have blocked venting.Please check the homepage at www.uwo.ca for further updates.