INVESTIGATIONS have begun into what went wrong during a science experiment that left two Tumbarumba High School students with facial burns yesterday.
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A boy and girl, both 15, suffered superficial burns after an explosion involving a Bunsen burner about 9.30am.
The pair were in a stable condition at Wagga Base Hospital last night.
NSW Education Department spokesman Grant Hatch said the explosion happened during a year 9, period one class.
The students were undertaking a practical science lesson supervised by an experienced teacher, he said.
A crucible being heated on a Bunsen burner by a group of three students exploded, injuring two students.
The teacher and other staff immediately applied first aid until paramedics arrived.
The Southcare helicopter was called but was not needed.
Mr Hatch said instructions for the experiment were provided on the board and in a textbook.
Measured chemicals were provided to each group by the teacher.
Mr Hatch did not know what chemicals were involved.
The school was continuing investigations into the cause. Police were also on the scene.
“Inquiries are continuing but unless there’s some kind of criminal activity the investigation will be handed to WorkCover,” Albury Insp John Wadsworth said.
A fire investigator and WorkCover inspector were at the school yesterday afternoon conducting a preliminary investigation into the explosion.
Mr Hatch said students and teachers would be provided counselling.
He said the school was not severely damaged by the explosion but that the lab had been shut to allow for a clean-up.