Ten students were injured inside a Torrance classroom Friday when a gas-operated, portable stove exploded, and authorities are trying to determine whether the school has a permit for the device.
The explosion at North High School occurred during a lunchtime fundraiser for UNICEF, said Tammy Khan, a spokeswoman for the Torrance Unified School District. Students were cooking for the fundraiser when the accident occurred.
Investigators with the Torrance Fire Department believe the cause of the fire was related to gas leaking from a butane or propane canister used to heat one of three portable stoves used in the classroom, said Capt. Steve Deuel.
All 10 students, some of whom were burned on their necks, faces and hands, were taken to local hospitals. Several of the injuries were considered serious.
LATimes
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