The four University of Idaho students who were injured in an explosion last night underwent surgery at Gritman Medical Center and are now recovering, said Vice President for Infrastructure Dan Ewart.
Ewart was not able to identify the students, but confirmed that they were all part of the Northwest Organization of Rocket Engineers. Three of the four were engineering students. A faculty member was present at the time of the explosion, but Ewart did not reveal their identity.
Originally thought to be an explosion from a test rocket, Ewart said the explosion was caused by an experiment that was not ever intended to be a rocket or go into the air. He said it was a “galvanized metal pipe,” and the fuel burned too fast, which set off the explosion. The experiment was meant to test the fuel, he said.
Ewart said the university is currently reviewing the case, and it is possible that UI policy may be revised to prevent future incidents like this.
Moscow Police Chief James Fry said emergency officials responded at the scene within minutes of the explosion and spoke with the injured individuals there.
Fry said the scene of the explosion — the steam plant parking lot — is clear and open to the public. Ewart said the campus has been deemed safe and classes will proceed as usual.
Erin Bamer and Nina Rydalch can be reached at [email protected]