DCHAS-L Archives · Post dated November 4, 2026
From: Rob Toreki <info**At_Symbol_Here**ILPI.COM>
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Explosion in chemistry class experiment at Gwangju high school injures 7 students
Date: Nov 4, 2026 14:00 UTC
Reply-To: ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**PRINCETON.EDU>
In-Reply-To:
An explosion occurred during a chemistry class experiment in a science lab. It happened at a high school in Buk-gu, Gwangju. Seven students were injured.According to the Gwangju Fire Headquarters in Jeollanam-do and police, a report was received at about 3:50 p.m. on the day. It said an explosion occurred during a chemistry experiment in the science lab of a high school in Buk-gu.Two male students who joined the experiment suffered second-degree burns to their faces, hands and necks. They were taken to a hospital. Five other students in the science lab also suffered minor injuries. They went to hospitals separately for treatment.The accident is believed to have occurred during an in-school science club activity.At the time, first- and second-year students in the science club were conducting a solid fuel experiment. They used potassium nitrate, an oxidizing substance, and sorbitol. They reportedly used a hot plate, an electric heating device.When a sudden reaction occurred during the experiment, nearby students evacuated. But the powerful explosion caused burns to some students. They were reportedly wearing protective gear.
