By: Nancy McCleary
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| Staff photo by Amanda Berg |
Six students were treated for injuries after a chemistry experiment at E.E. Smith High School went awry Tuesday afternoon, officials said. Three of the students were taken to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, said Theresa Perry, a school system spokeswoman. Two were being treated for minor burns, she said. The third student and three others who were tended to at the school had respiratory-related issues, said Ron Lewis, a battalion commander with the Fayetteville Fire Department.
The students were mixing potassium nitrate and sucrose and heating the mixture on a hot plate, Perry said. The plate heated too quickly and caused the concoction to begin producing heavy smoke. There were conflicting reports as to whether there was an explosion or flames.
The students had mixed a tree stump remover with sugar, said Deonte Smith, 17, a senior who was in the advanced placement lab. Smith said there was no explosion and he saw no flames, but the area quickly filled with thick smoke. "I was scared at first," said Smith, his protective goggles looped around his neck and his protective apron still tied around his torso. "There was a lot of panic. Students ran out into the courtyard," Smith said.
The school at 1800 Seabrook Road was evacuated as a precaution, Lewis said. Seabrook Road was blocked between Albany and Topeka streets to allow firetrucks and ambulances into the area. Frantic parents began arriving at the school shortly after 3 p.m. trying to get information. Perry said a phone message was sent to parents, but it was at least an hour after the incident happened. Students were allowed to leave the campus about 3:45 p.m. One student said a police officer came and escorted the students out, one classroom at a time.
Damage to the school was minimal, Lewis said.
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