Chemical explosion hits Australian University

BRISBANE - Australian students and staff at the University of Queensland have been evacuated after a chemical explosion at one of the university's buildings in St Lucia in Brisbane's inner-west, authorities said on Friday.

The chemical, later identified as a toxic corrosive liquid, leaked in the building on Coppers road in St Lucia on Friday morning and the explosion occurred at 9.20 a.m. local time, the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) said.

The nine-story building was evacuated and QFRS firefighters in splash suits and breathing apparatus went inside.  No injuries have been reported. "Crew on scene have completed atmospheric testing and all levels have been deemed safe," the QFRS said in a statement.