Dormitory explosion at Murray State University

MURRAY, Ky. (AP) – Officials say a blast at an unused Kentucky dormitory has caused extensive damage, with one employee hospitalized with injuries.

Calloway County Emergency Management Director Bill Call told media outlets that the explosion at Murray State University was believed to have been caused by a natural gas leak. He said the blast gutted the ground floor and damaged part of the second floor.

Kentucky State Police said the person injured was 26-year-old Dakota Fields, a Murray State Employee. He is currently listed in stable condition at Vanderbuilt Medical Center.

The explosion was reported just before 5 p.m. Wednesday. According to the university, more than 400 people in the surrounding area were relocated as a precaution.

The dormitory, Richmond Hall, was built in the last several years, but no students were using the building at the time of the explosion. Officials say several surrounding buildings were also damaged from the blast.