Sydney: Primary School Science Experiment Goes South

Multiple students in a primary school in the Australian city of Sydney have been injured after a classroom science experiment went wrong.

Eko Hot Blog reports that at least two students were rushed via ambulance to a hospital with serious burns. Nine others are believed to have suffered superficial burns.

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Initial reports suggest the experiment involved sodium bicarbonate and methylated spirits, said outlet 9news.

Helicopters, paramedics and fire trucks were seen responding on scene.

The incident took place at Manly West Public School around 13:00 local time on Monday.

New South Wales Ambulance Acting Superintendent Phil Templemen said the wind impacted the experiment and blew around some of the chemicals that were used.

The children – believed to be aged between 10 and 11 according to reports – suffered burns to their bodies, including on their face, chest, lower abdomen and legs.

One teacher was also treated for minor injuries.

Several parents who dropped by the school on Monday afternoon said they had questions as to why the experiment took place, but added that the school had got things “under control”.

“We heard online what happened, it was a bit worrying but everything seemed to be under control quite quickly,” Mich Ashton, a parent at the school said.

Another parent, who did not want to be named, said it was a “routine science experiment” that occurred, adding that the teacher involved was “much loved”.

One resident said that a teacher had emerged from the school earlier to speak to a group of people who had gathered outside.

“The teacher who addressed us said it was a science experiment that went wrong and some chemical burns were involved,” said Tyson Atkins.

One popular school science experiment that can be found online, called the Carbon Sugar Snake, uses methylated spirits and baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate.

It involves mixing sugar with baking soda, placing a small amount of the mixture in sand soaked with methylated spirits, and igniting the concoction.