Penn State University Alert: Reports Of Explosion At Susan Welch Liberal Arts Building Under Investigation

An explosion was reported Wednesday afternoon at the Susan Welch Liberal Arts Building at Pennsylvania State University’s University Park campus, prompting an immediate evacuation and a heavy emergency response. The incident occurred around 1:40 p.m. local time at 137 Fischer Road, according to Centre County Report, Penn State’s student media outlet. In an alert posted on social media, the outlet said Penn State Police were investigating an “incident” at the building and advised students and staff to stay clear of the area. A faculty member present in the building told Centre County Report she heard a “huge boom from what sounded like something hitting the building below us” while on the fifth floor. She added that she helped warn others to leave as the noise echoed through the structure. Emergency Crews Respond; Cracks Reported in Building Within minutes, Alpha Fire Company, Penn State EMS, and multiple police units arrived on scene. A local broadcaster reported the emergency dispatch call mentioned an “explosion” inside the building, and first responders quickly began assessing structural damage. Initial reports from crews indicated visible cracks running “from the second floor up to the top of the building.” The fire chief on site reportedly instructed responders to exit the building as a safety precaution. Photographs shared by Centre County Report showed a visible fracture on the building’s exterior wall. Emergency personnel could be seen surrounding the area as investigators worked to determine the cause. Possible Heating System Malfunction, No Immediate Threat Reported Local media cited earlier maintenance issues with the building’s steam heating system, suggesting a potential mechanical malfunction as a cause. Officials have not confirmed this theory. In a brief statement, Penn State authorities said there was “no immediate threat to the community”, but urged everyone to stay away from the site until further notice. The Susan Welch Liberal Arts Building, home to several academic departments, was cordoned off by mid-afternoon as structural engineers arrived to inspect the damage. Classes and activities in the building have been suspended pending safety clearance. The investigation remains ongoing, with Penn State Police and Centre County emergency services coordinating response efforts. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from US News and around the World.