A chemical explosion in Stinson-Remick Hall of Engineering caused the building to be evacuated for several hours starting around 9:45 a.m. Monday, according to an email from University spokesman Dennis Brown.

According to the email, the “small” explosion occurred on the third floor of the building and splashed a staff member with an acidic solution. The staff member has been taken to a local hospital for observation, the email said.

South Bend Hazardous Materials Response Unit arrived on campus to deal with the incident, the cause of which the email said the University is investigating. The building and surrounding area has since reopened.