13 hurt, mostly kids, in chemical blast at museum
Police: 13 hurt, mostly kids, after exhibit explodes at Reno museum; acid burns reported
9/3/2014RENO, Nev. — Authorities say 13 people have been injured, mostly children, in a chemical explosion during a science demonstration at a museum in downtown Reno.
Reno police Officer Tim Broadway says seven children and two adults have been hospitalized with acid burns on their hands, arms and faces after the 4:10 p.m. Wednesday blast at the Nevada Discovery Museum.
Reno Fire Chief Mike Hernandez describes the injuries as minor to moderate.
Broadway says four people were treated at the scene and released. He didn’t know their ages.
The officials say a methyl alcohol and boric acid mixture exploded during a routine exhibit conducted daily to create a whirling tornado effect.
Hernandez says the museum was evacuated, but didn’t appear to receive any additional damage.
The officials say the incident is being investigated.