RENO, Nev. (AP) – A routine experiment designed to help children understand tornadoes erupted in a chemical flash, injuring 13, including children who suffered acid burns on their hands, arms and faces.
Emergency crews responded to a report of a possible explosion at 4:10 p.m. Wednesday at the Terry Lee Wells Discovery Museum in downtown Reno.
City of Reno spokesman Matthew Brown told The Associated Press that a preliminary investigation indicates it was not an explosion but a chemical flash, which is “similar to if someone threw gasoline on a fire.” He said he couldn’t comment further on the distinction.
Eight children and one adult were transported to a Reno hospital for minor burns or smoke inhalation, city Brown said in a statement.
Four other people were treated at the scene, but their ages were not available, he said. Officials at Renown Regional Medical Center expected only one child would remain hospitalized overnight for observation and likely would be sent home Thursday, Brown said.