At 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, a lab on the second floor of Stepan Chemistry Hall alerted emergency responders to a “suspicious odor,” according to a statement from a University spokesperson. Following the incident, four people were taken to the Notre Dame Wellness Center to be evaluated.
A coalition of emergency teams arrived at the scene. The University deployed units from the Notre Dame Police Department, Fire Department and Risk Management teams. The South Bend Fire Department was also called to assist. Over a dozen vehicles remained parked around the north and southeast entrances to the building for at least three hours.
According to the spokesperson, the chemicals causing the odor were discovered and disposed of. “The lab remains offline until a refrigerator can be replaced,” the spokesperson wrote.
Four individuals brought to the Wellness Center were evaluated “out of an abundance of caution.” All were discharged by 11 a.m. Thursday at the latest.
The Office of Risk Management & Safety maintains a group of officers who are trained to address hazmat incidents. The South Bend Fire Department also maintained a hazardous materials team. NDPD policy dictates that SBFD should be alerted if a hazardous materials emergency is deemed major.
In a similar incident in December 2024, SBFD was called to campus when a chemical spill was reported in Fitzpatrick Hall of Engineering.
The Risk Management team recommends those experiencing emergencies involving hazardous materials should contact NDPD at 574-631-5555, specify the location of the chemical and then evacuate the area.
