CLASSROOM ACCIDENT. The entrance of Capoocan Central School in Capoocan, Leyte. At least six elementary learners were hurt when their classmates accidentally ignited an ethyl alcohol inside their classroom in Capoocan town on Thursday. (Contributed photo)
TACLOBAN CITY – At least six elementary students were hurt when their classmates accidentally ignited an ethyl alcohol inside their classroom in Capoocan, Leyte on Thursday.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported on Friday that the explosion injured Grade 6 learners of the Capoocan Central School past noon on Thursday.
The incident happened while their teacher, Niño Jake Borrel, was out for an interview by Department of Education officials in nearby Leyte town.
Police reported that the incident started when one of the victims, a 12-year-old, grabbed the empty bottle of alcohol placed on top of the teacher’s desk and refilled it with alcohol placed beside the desk.
“In the process of refilling of alcohol, one of their classmates suddenly lit up a lighter towards the alcohol that was being refilled, thereby accidentally igniting it resulting into a quick explosion and causing burned injuries,” the police reported.
The victims, aged 11 to 13, all belong to the same class. They were rushed to Carigara District Hospital in Carigara, Leyte for treatment.
The Department of Education has not yet issued a statement regarding the incident.
Studies found that low-boiling alcohols vaporize readily, and when alcohol is placed in a small-mouthed container, it forms a volatile mixture with the air. A simple match held by the mouth of the jug provides the activation energy needed for the combustion of the alcohol and air mixture. (PNA)
