CHENNAI: Two students were hospitalised following a laboratory accident at the AC Tech College, Anna University, Guindy, on Thursday evening. The incident occurred at approximately 4.30 pm Thursday, inside the Effluent Treatment Laboratory of the Chemical Engineering Department.
According to initial reports, a glass distillation column used for research purposes shattered unexpectedly.
The explosion caused lacerations to the faces and necks of two students – P Nithish (23), a second-year M Tech student in Environmental Studies, and S Surya (20), a third year B Tech student in Chemical engineering – who were present in the lab.
Nithish is a resident of Ambattur. He was admitted as an in-patient at a private hospital in Thousand Lights. Surya, resident of Ekambara Nagar, was admitted at VHS Hospital, Taramani. Medical authorities at both hospitals have confirmed that their condition is stable, and that they were recovering well under observation.
University officials have been notified of the incident. A preliminary investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the failure.
Reacting to the incident, the Dean’s office of Anna University on Friday clarified that during an experiment process, a glass vessel was broken, which had led to the mishap. It also stated that the university would bear all the medical expenses of the students.
“The university and its department colleges are taking all precautionary measures for students’ safety. An enquiry will reveal the exact reason for the accident,” it said.