The removal of safety devices on a high-pressure nitrogen tank was the cause of an explosion that rocked the Texas A&M University Chemistry Building early in the morning on Jan. 12, a report released Thursday by the university’s Environmental Health and Safety Department concludes.

The explosion, which occurred at about 3 a.m. while most students were still on Christmas break, blew out windows, a wall and left a 24-inch diameter hole in the ceiling of the lab.

No one was injured in the blast.

Investigators found the nitrogen tank in the building’s penthouse mechanical room where it evidently came to rest after striking a pipe.

The tank did enough damage to the piping that there was significant water damage throughout the wing of the building in which the explosion occurred.

Investigators concluded the nitrogen in the tank blew out the bottom of the internal and external tanks, propelling the cylinder upward through the floor of the building’s penthouse.

Investigators said it appeared two internal tank pressure relief devices had at some point been removed and the openings sealed.

“Without the devices in place, it was indeed only a matter of time until a catastrophic failure of the internal tank occurred,” the report concludes.

“In short the tank was improperly modified by an unidentified person or persons resulting in catastrophic failure.”

The 31-page report recommends an inspection of all other tanks and similar vessels to ensure the safety devices are in place.

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