Four students at Na Chaliang Pittayakom School, in Nong Phai District caught serious burns on their faces and bodies after a science experiment went wrong.
In a Bangkok Post report, the incident happened Tuesday, during a science class for Grade 8 students, according to the school director, Ms. Supitchaya Lekdaeng. The teacher, who was identified as Mr. Lerkchai, said he used engine oil in a stove that was typical DIY equipment. Engine oil typically does not catch fire. However, Mr. Lerkchai believed that the engine oil container might have been contaminated as it was previously used to store flammable petrol, which caused the blaze.
The 4 male students, who were standing close to watch the experiment, were rushed to Nong Phai hospital for treatment, and were later released as their conditions were not serious, online media reported.
Netizens, including several other students who were in that class, commented beneath the post saying that it was an accident and not the teacher’s fault. The teacher took immediate action to assist the students and informed their parents. Mr. Lerkchai also later visited the student victims to follow up on their recovery.
The school has launched its own investigation; on how the accident happened and emphasized the importance of safety protocols during classroom experiments to prevent future incidents.