Two kids stable in hospital after being burned by science experiment gone wrong

An update has been provided on the condition of two 10-year-old students who were seriously burned in a school science experiment.

Two 10-year-olds remain in hospital – but in a stable condition – after burning foam sprayed onto their chests when a science experiment exploded at a Sydney primary school.

Eight ambulances and two helicopters, one with a specialist medical team on-board, rushed to the incident at Manly West Public School in Balgowlah about 1pm on Monday.

Eleven children aged around 10 years old and one adult were impacted by the “Hazmat incident”, with reports it was caused by a science experiment gone wrong.

Just two children remain in hospital on Tuesday afternoon and both are in a stable condition.

The ‘black worm’ science experiment likely got out of control due to gusty winds. Picture: VisioNil/ Nine

It’s understood the incident occurred during a “black worm” experiment that involves mixing bicarbonate of soda, icing sugar and methylated spirits together.

A boy and a girl received serious burns when the experiment was whipped out of control by a gust of wind that sprayed burning foam onto the children’s faces and chests, The Daily Telegraph reported.

NSW Ambulance said Monday’s high winds were partially to blame for the experiment gone wrong for the year 5 class.

“We received multiple triple-0 calls reporting that a number of children had sustained burns during a science experiment, which was being conducted outside,” NSW Ambulance Acting Superintendent Phil Templeman said.

“Today’s high winds have impacted the experiment and blown some of the materials around.”

The most seriously injured child, a young girl, suffered multiple burns to her body and was flown to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead in a stable condition after receiving treatment from CareFlight’s specialist doctor and a NSW Ambulance critical care paramedic.

Police and Safe Work NSW staff near an empty bottle of flammable liquid at the scene. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dylan Coker

At least nine children and one adult were taken to hospital. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dylan Coker

Another was taken to the same hospital in an ambulance, with a specialist medical team treating serious burns.

Five children were taken to Royal North Shore Hospital and four were taken to Northern Beaches Hospital with superficial burns.

The adult patient was taken to Northern Beaches Hospital in a stable condition.

NSW Ambulance said the incident required a “huge response” from paramedics.

“The children have sustained burns to the upper body, chest, face and legs; thankfully, the majority of the students were not badly injured,” Mr Templeman said.

NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell thanked school staff for acting quickly and providing first aid. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dylan Coker

NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell offered support from the state government in the wake of the incident.

“My thoughts are with the students and staff affected by today’s incident at Manly West Public School,” Ms Mitchell said.

“I have spoken with the principal this afternoon to offer my support to the entire school community, and I want to particularly thank and acknowledge all of the school staff who acted so quickly to provide first aid and call emergency services.

“We will provide whatever resources the school community needs in the coming days, including counselling for students and staff.

Wellbeing support was offered to students. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dylan Coker

“Investigations into the incident will be undertaken by the relevant authorities, including the Department of Education and NSW Police. In addition, SafeWork NSW has been notified and they will carry out their own investigation in due course.”

Wellbeing support is being provided to impacted students and staff.