Girl
burned in school explosion
A
10-year-old girl was airlifted to hospital suffering from "significant"
burns after a chemical explosion at her school.
Emergency
crews were called to Swanage Middle School, Dorset, at about 1630 GMT on
Wednesday.
The pupil, who was taking part in an experiment at an
after-school science club, was transferred to the burns unit at
Salisbury District Hospital.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said it has
begun an investigation.
The girl was treated at the scene by paramedics for
burns to her hand and arm before being airlifted to Dorset County
Hospital in Dorchester.
=93 The pupils should be praised for their calm and
sensible response to the accident =94
Dave Pratten, head teacher
She was then transferred to the specialist burns unit
at Salisbury District Hospital where she remained
overnight.
A spokesman for Dorset Police said that the girl's
injuries were "significant" but not believed to be
life-threatening.
Crews from Dorset Fire and Rescue Service spent an
hour making the classroom safe following a fire caused by the ignition
of chemicals.
A spokeswoman for Dorset Fire and Rescue confirmed
they had received reports that an explosion had occurred in the science
block.
Dave Pratten, head teacher of Swanage Middle School,
said: "Our thoughts are with her and her family and we wish her a speedy
recovery.
"I would also like to thank the school staff who
administered appropriate first aid and those who helped ensure that
other pupils were safely evacuated from the laboratory.
"The
pupils who were in school at the time should be praised for their calm
and sensible response to the accident.
"The
safety of our pupils is paramount, and we will carry out a thorough
investigation into the circumstances of the accident."
Story
from BBC NEWS:
Published: 2009/11/12 11:44:15 GMT
=A9 BBC
MMIX
