Due to a possible chemical spill, the Coker Life Sciences building was evacuated Monday evening. The Columbia Fire Department was called in response to reports of strange odors emanating from the building and ordered the building be cleared. Students were still able to enter Coker through the Jones Physical Science Center, which is part of the same complex.
Stephen Timko, a third-year marine science and chemistry student, said he was sitting among 20 others in a meeting for a marine science club called Students Engaged in Aquatic Sciences when police knocked on the door and told them to leave. The building was later deemed safe.