Several days after two explosions rocked the University of Nevada campus, UNR officials gave an update on what happened at Argenta Hall injuring eight people.
For the first time, fire officials gave a timeline on what happened on Friday and confirmed that the explosions occurred in the boiler room.
State Fire Marshal Bart Chambers said that Boiler 1 was shut down earlier in the week for a problem.
He said the first explosion that occurred around 12:40 p.m. cut a gas line. Natural gas then filled the basement and traveled through the rest of the building. The second explosion then happened about 20 minutes later.
He stressed that both explosions were an "isolated incident."
Todd Renwick, Chief of Police Services at Nevada says they are trying to clear debris from Argenta and Nye Halls and until it is safe, Virginia Street will remain closed to traffic. As of right now, a crane can be seen. They hope to reopen the roadway by next week.
The structure's pillars are intact and as of right now, they plan to restore the residence hall.
As for "this year," both Argenta and Nye Halls will not be used, says Shannon Ellis, Vice President of Student Services.
UNR President Marc Johnson was actually in Europe when the explosion happened, but authorities gave him updates on the ongoing investigation.
President Johnson asked for patience as to where affected students will be living this fall.
Casinos 'are an option,' said Ellis.
The University is keeping in touch with the students who were injured.
UNR officials say a previously planned tuition increase was set to go into effect this fall; they said they will not increase costs based on this incident. The University is working with its insurance company for coverage details.
We'll have a full-wrap of the press conference during our evening newscasts.
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Virginia Street remains closed from College Drive to 11th Street as the investigation continues into Friday's explosion at Argenta Hall on the UNR campus.
Use alternative routes to access the campus, such as McCarran Blvd, Sierra Street and Evans Avenue.
All garages are open.
Students inside Argenta at the time of Friday's explosion reported a power outage in the building, and a strong smell of gas.
University officials have been able to return important things to students like medications, passports, and birth certificates.
UNR has moved students living in Argenta Hall to nearby Peavine Hall.
UNR says, "Argenta will not be used the upcoming semester and that they are looking at options to see if Nye Hall could perhaps be used this fall, but it is too early without a complete structural report to make any definitive determination. Because of this, housing assignments for the fall semester will be delayed."
On Monday, UNR said thanks to an outpouring of support Sunday, July 7, no additional physical donations are needed at this time.
The University also asks everyone to be cautious of any online donation requests as it has not set up or endorsed any official online fundraising efforts related to the incident.
Earlier, the Washoe County Sheriff's Office announced that after several searches inside Argenta Hall with a search dog, they located no one inside the damaged building.
After several searches inside @unevadareno Argenta Hall this morning, searchers, including @WashoeSheriff SAR volunteer Mary Cablk and her WOOF search dog Inca, did not locate anyone still inside. Cleanup and investigation continues. pic.twitter.com/yILfb7A9zM
— Washoe Sheriff (@WashoeSheriff) July 6, 2019
Frequently Asked Questions regarding the July 5 Argenta Hall Explosion https://t.co/zv3SgVfF1R
— Univ. of Nevada Reno (@unevadareno) July 8, 2019
The University of Nevada says a "utilities accident" occurred on campus early Friday afternoon at Argenta Hall.
Virginia Street and Sierra Street are closed to traffic. If necessary, campus can be accessed from Evans Ave ad the public is asked to avoid the area so emergency personnel can work.
The explosion was first reported around 1 p.m. Friday.
The first small explosion was witnessed by people on scene and was followed by a second larger explosion.
Argenta Hall is located across from The Davidson Academy, along Virginia Street.
Steve Leighton of Reno Fire says the explosion caused major damage to Argenta Hall, including water damage. Officials need to remove two feet of water from inside.
They say the explosion may be caused by a "mechanical failure."
Authorities say eight people were treated for minor injuries at a nearby hospital.
They also said just before 4 p.m. that no one else was missing checking floor-by-floor. Earlier in the day crews searched for additional possible victims.
Several agencies including Reno Police, Reno Fire, Sparks Police, the bomb squad, Truckee Meadows Water Authority and the Washoe County Sheriff's Office all responded.
Governor Steve Sisolak has tweeted that he is "aware of the situation" and have "offered support on the ground."
My office is aware of the situation at @unevadareno and have offered support on the ground. We will continue to closely monitor all updates. For those on or near campus, please stay clear of areas where first responders are working on the scene.
— Governor Sisolak (@GovSisolak) July 5, 2019
The Nevada System of Higher Education and the Board of Regents is closely monitoring the situation.
“The safety of our students and staff is of paramount importance,” Chancellor Thom Reilly said. “We support the university in its recovery from this incident.”
Regents Chair Jason Geddes said, “Nothing is more important to us than the safety of our students, staff, and guests. We are here to support the university and any individuals impacted by this incident. Also, we’re thankful to university police and all emergency responders for their quick response to this incident.”
University of Nevada Police say that classes on the main campus are canceled for the rest of Friday.
The Upward Bound program says all Upward Bound students and staff are safe, however, summer academy check-in is postponed and Upward Bound summer academy classes are canceled for July 8.
UNR Police say students living or working in Argenta Hall should call (775) 784-1133 or email housing@unr.edu to confirm their safety.
"The City of Reno thanks our emergency crews for their tireless work. We are offering any support needed to help our Wolf Pack family, staff, and students. Reno is with you. "--Asst. City Manager Bill Thomas https://t.co/Q26NOivdVT
— City of Reno (@CityofReno) July 5, 2019
Law enforcement is not looking for suspects.
Viewer photos show damage on the hall's exteriors.
According to the University of Nevada's website, the eight-story residence hall can house up to 750 students. It opened in August 2000 and a second phase opened in August 2004.
A fire official says Nye Hall also sustained some damage, but no one was hurt inside that residence hall. University officials say Nye Hall is closed at this time.
They said students are being relocated to Peavine Hall for housing assignments.
Our reporter, Landon Miller posted a video from Eric Marks Photography on his Twitter feed:
UNR Explosion Press Conference#breaking Explosion Argenta Hall at the University of Nevada, Reno
— Landon Miller (@Landon__Miller) July 5, 2019
Video:https://t.co/gKnkRD83yP pic.twitter.com/5y8wQs8Nr9
Upward Bound Programs - University of Nevada, RenoAll Classes Canceled :: For the remainder of today Friday July 5, 2019 all classes on the main campus are canceled. Updates will be available at https://t.co/dtHFOfpgDt.
— UNR Police Services (@uofnevadapolice) July 5, 2019
Argenta Hall Residents :: Students living or working in Argenta Hall should call 775-784-1113 or email housing@unr.edu to confirm their safety.
— UNR Police Services (@uofnevadapolice) July 6, 2019
