Archive · 13 Nov 2025
Penn State Investigates Explosion, Structural Damage at Liberal Arts Building
Something loud, like a big boom, happened at Penn State's liberal arts building on Wednesday afternoon.
People heard it and left the building quickly.
Emergency workers came and saw cracks going up the side of the building.
They told the workers to leave the building too, just to be safe.
Some people think it might have been a problem with the heating system, but the university is still looking into what caused it.
The building is closed for now so engineers can check if it's safe.
The university said everyone is safe and there's no danger to the whole campus.
An explosion-like incident was reported at Penn State's Susan Welch Liberal Arts Building on Wednesday.
The building was evacuated, and emergency crews responded to find visible cracks on the structure.
A faculty member described hearing a 'huge boom' while inside the building.
A potential heating system malfunction is being considered as a possible cause, but officials have not confirmed it.
Penn State authorities stated there was no immediate threat to the community, and an investigation is ongoing.
- Who
- Penn State University Police and Centre County emergency services
- What
- An incident involving a loud boom and resulting structural cracks in the Susan Welch Liberal Arts Building
- When
- Wednesday afternoon, around 1:40 p.m. local time
- Where
- Susan Welch Liberal Arts Building at Penn State's University Park campus
- Why
- Under investigation; potential heating system malfunction suggested but not confirmed
Initial Reports
Official Statements
Nature of Incident
Initial Reports
Reports of an 'explosion' and a 'huge boom' heard by faculty.
Official Statements
Referred to as an 'incident' with no immediate threat to the community.
Cause of Incident
Initial Reports
Speculation points to a potential heating system malfunction.
Official Statements
Officials have not confirmed any specific cause, investigation is ongoing.
- Building
- Susan Welch Liberal Arts Building
- University
- Pennsylvania State University (Penn State)
- Location
- University Park campus, 137 Fischer Road
- Time of Incident
- Wednesday, approximately 1:40 p.m. local time
- Reported Damage
- Cracks from the second floor to the top of the building, visible fracture on exterior wall
- Immediate Threat
- No immediate threat to the community reported