Chemical explosion rocks Tech, injures grad student

A chemical explosion at the Technological Institute, 2145 Sheridan Road, injured a Northwestern graduate student Sunday morning, police said.

The male student had been mixing chemicals, including methanol and (diacetoxyiodo)benzene, in a flask, said NU Deputy Police Chief Daniel McAleer. When the flask exploded, it spewed glass across the room and on the floor, he said.

The student had cuts on his right arm and a cut and bruise on his chest where he was struck by flying glass, police said.

After the incident, the student used an emergency shower in the hallway to wash off, McAleer said.

Police secured the K-wing on the third floor and contacted the professor in charge of the laboratory.

Evanston Fire Department officials transported the student to Evanston Hospital, where it was determined he did not have any chemical burns, police said. ‘

Routine traffic stop goes awry

Passengers in a car became verbally abusive during a routine traffic stop Sunday evening, police said.

University Police pulled over a four-door Nissan after the driver ran a stop light at the intersection of Asbury Avenue and Simpson Street, McAleer said. During the stop, two passengers started verbally disrupting contact between the driver and the police officer, at which point the police officer told the passengers to remain in the vehicle, police said.

Almost immediately after this warning, the passengers exited the car and started escalating their verbal abuse, McAleer said.

Police didn’t find any warrants for the arrest of the driver or the passengers, and all subjects were released, police said.

-GRACE JOHNSON