A Denver high-school chemistry laboratory mishap sparked a fire Monday, sending four students to the hospital to be treated for burns, reports state.

According to reports, the incident occurred in an 11^th grade classroom at the Science, Math and Arts Academy (SMART Academy) at around 7:45 in the morning. At least one of the four students was said to have incurred severe injuries from the accident, which happened during a teacher's demonstration in chemistry class.

Like Us on Facebook

The cause of the fire was not immediately known, though reports indicate that the teacher was said to be handling a flammable liquid known as methanol as part of a chemistry experiment for the class when a flare erupted.

Investigators said that the injured students were not handling any of the materials.

The four injured students were rushed to Denver Health Medical Center to receive medical treatment after sustaining burns to their faces and upper chests.

After being deemed to be in stable condition, three students were discharged while the one who received severe injuries was transferred to another facility for extensive treatment.

Meanwhile, Daniel Powell, the chemistry teacher, refused to seek medical help despite incurring minor burns in his hands.

School authorities stated that Powell was put on paid administrative leave while experimentations involving chemicals or flammable materials have been suspended.

According to the Associated Press, the SMART Academy lab fire was the second fire incident involving methanol in science demonstrations that has led to injuries.

On September 3, 13 individuals, mostly children, were hurt during a flash fire at a museum in Reno, Nevada after an employee reportedly applied chemicals in the wrong order during a demonstration that should have displayed tornado simulation.

This incident was cited in a warning announcement issued by the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (USCSB) on Monday, advising against the use of methanol during laboratory and school experiments.

However, it is not immediately clear if the warning was issued before or after the Denver high school laboratory fire.

TagsDenver, flash fire, science experiment, methanol, students injured, chemistry fire, high school, high school fire