TSC: Teacher acted "courageously"

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Isopropyl alcohol flared up during a science experiment on Tuesday and burned two students at Wainwright Middle School.

The terrible accident sent both students to hospitals.

Tippecanoe School Corporation Superintendent Scott Hanback said teacher William Douglas acted courageously and appropriately.

Hanback said Douglas was doing a demonstration using isopropyl alcohol when it ignited and flared up, burning 14-year-old Cody Garrett and 15-year-old Leighton Fruits.

Hanback said Douglas, a teacher at Wainwright since 1989, then jumped across the table, trying to cover Garrett and put out the flames.

Hanback said Garrett suffered burns from the waist up and is at Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis in critical condition.

Hanback said Fruits sustained minor burns to his midsection, and was treated and released Wednesday from Clarian-Arnett Hospital in Lafayette.

Hanback said Douglas suffered second-degree burns to his hands and was treated and released from a Lafayette care clinic.

Hanback said he extends his sympathy to Douglas, Fruits, and Garrett. He said Douglas is a very responsible teacher and it was an unfortunate accident.

Tippecanoe County Sheriff Tracy Brown said detectives are assisting T.S.C. administrators in the investigation of the accident. He said detectives interviewed students and other teachers at the school Wednesday, and the investigation is still ongoing.