04/09/2014 10:06
13 hurt, mostly kids, in chemical mishap at museum
A demonstration about the science of tornadoes went awry Wednesday at a Nevada museum, injuring 13 people, several with minor burns or smoke inhalation, The Associated Press reported.
Emergency crews responded to a report of a possible explosion at 4:10 p.m. at the Terry Lee Wells Discovery Museum in downtown Reno.
City of Reno spokesman Matthew Brown told The Associated Press that a preliminary investigation indicates it was not an explosion but a chemical flash, which is "similar to if someone threw gasoline on a fire." He said he couldn't comment further on the distinction.
Eight children and one adult were transported to a Reno hospital for minor burns or smoke inhalation, city Brown said in a statement.
Four other people were treated at the scene, but their ages were not available, he said. Officials at Renown Regional Medical Center expected only one child would remain hospitalized overnight for observation and likely would be sent home Thursday, Brown said.
Reno police Officer Tim Broadway had said earlier that several children suffered acid burns on their hands, arms and faces.
Officials said a methyl alcohol and boric acid mixture is used during the routine exhibition conducted each day to create a whirling tornado effect.
"The injuries were the result of a mishap of a routine museum demonstration that simulates a tornado," the city's statement said Wednesday night. "Reno Fire Department investigators are working with museum staff to determine what caused the chemical flash."