CHICAGO — A South Side high school was evacuated Friday after a chemical explosion in a science lab, injuring at least two people, including a teacher, officials said.
Students at Simeon Career Academy, 8147 S. Vincennes Ave., were evacuated from the building after the incident, which occurred about 12:30 p.m., said Officer Jose Estrada, a police spokesman.
A teacher was injured during a science experiment, Estrada said. The teacher suffered chemical burns, and was being treated on the scene by paramedics, Estrada said. Fire officials said two people were taken to area hospitals with nonlife-threatening injuries.
No students were in the room, CPS said.
According to Elizabeth Kirby, CPS network chief for Englewood-Auburn Gresham, "a teacher was in the lab alone when the teacher was injured by a chemical explosion."
A security guard said a student teacher injured his face when an explosion occurred while he was mixing chemicals. No students were injured.
CPS spokesman Bill McCaffrey said the district is conducting an investigation. He said "a small chemical recatioin" occurred while the teacher was preparing for a chemistry class.
The school was evacuated as "a precautionary measure," Estrada said.
Students were readmitted to the school about 2:15 p.m.
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