Central District police station evacuated after ‘minor explosion’ in computer room

The “minor explosion” occurred on the second floor of the station, 1718 S. State St., according to Chicago police. It caused an “unknown gas” to emanate in the computer room and set off a sensor.

SHARE Central District police station evacuated after ‘minor explosion’ in computer room
A Chicago Fire Department hazardous materials crew responds to what police called a “minor explosion” at the Central District Chicago police station, 1718 S. State St., on Jan. 24, 2020.

A Chicago Fire Department hazardous materials crew responds to what police called a “minor explosion” at the Central District Chicago police station, 1718 S. State St., on Jan. 24, 2020.

Sam Kelly/Sun-Times

An explosion in a computer room prompted an evacuation Friday at the Central District Chicago police station in the South Loop.

The “minor explosion” occurred about 3:10 a.m. on the second floor of the station, 1718 S. State St., according to Chicago police.

An “electrical issue” triggered a halon gas fire suppression system in the room, prompting a hazardous materials response, according to the Chicago Fire Department.

The building was evacuated of police personnel until the fire department ventilated the room, police said. Staff returned to the building a short time later.

The cause of the explosion was not immediately known, police said. No injuries were reported. 

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