James H. Elrod, 53, was among those working about 10:30 a.m. to install steam lines to service new buildings on the school's south campus, said spokesman Steve Bell. Elrod had worked at the university for 13 years.
The explosion occurred in a trench behind Snelling Dining Hall and near the College of Pharmacy and School of Dance, he said.
``They were working on a segment of pipe that was to be installed in this steam pipe line that will be buried underground,'' Bell said.
The men were apparently using compressed air to check pressure in the pipe for leaks when ``something malfunctioned,'' he said.
Bell said one worker received serious, but not life threatening, injuries. Another had minor injuries, believed to be cuts and abrasions. The men, whose identities were not immediately released, were taken to St. Mary's Hospital.
The incident did not affect the rest of campus, Bell said. Fall semester classes start Aug. 19.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2004/8/154458