1 student expelled after fireworks blast injures 4 at Klein Forest HS
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- One student has been expelled and now faces criminal charges after a fireworks blast went off during lunch at Klein Forest High School.
Authorities were called to the campus for a possible explosion around 1 p.m.
"They popped the fireworks right in front of me," said senior Tiffany Doiron.
Klein Forest officials told ABC13 fireworks exploded in the cafeteria during 5th period, which prompted an immediate evacuation of close to 4000 people. Students were dismissed for the day. After-school activities were cancelled and bomb detection dogs swept the campus as a precaution.
"This is not a drill. We have a device activated inside the building with injuries," a dispatcher announced to emergency responders.
Officials say four students suffered minor injuries by either the fireworks or the panic that followed. No one was hospitalized. One male student was detained and later expelled, according to the Klein ISD. Investigators and students told ABC13, the fireworks were in a container inside his backpack. Authorities say possible more students were involved.
"It is a known fact that fireworks cannot be brought to a school," Harris County Fire Marshal Laurie Christensen told reporters.
Klein ISD says they will have extra officers and counselors on campus for the rest of the week.
The Harris County Fire Marshal's Office says they expect to have the exact charges the student will face, Wednesday morning.
Klein ISD released the following statement regarding the incident:
Today, January 7, 2020, an incident occurred at Klein Forest High School. We believe it is important to keep you informed about our district.
The incident is still under investigation, but it is believed that an aerial firework placed in a container was discharged at approximately 1 p.m. Klein ISD Police Officers on duty at the campus immediately responded and began executing the emergency operations plan. Students and staff evacuated the building immediately and all students and staff are safe.
Four Klein ISD students sustained minor injuries and were immediately checked by the school nurse and by Cypress Creek EMS when they arrived on the scene. They have been cleared by the EMS and are with their families. No students or staff needed hospitalization for further medical attention. Counselors were on site immediately to provide support.
A suspect has been detained by law enforcement and issued an emergency expulsion in accordance with the student code of conduct by Klein ISD administration. As the investigation continues, Klein ISD will hold all involved in this incident responsible to the fullest extent of the student code of conduct and the law.
The District is grateful for the immediate response of emergency personnel, law enforcement, and first responders working with the Klein Police Department in responding to this incident.
Klein Forest students, staff and administration are to be commended for ensuring a smooth and orderly evacuation.
All criminal acts are taken seriously, investigated completely, and addressed through the Student Code of Conduct as well as through law enforcement. The safety of our students and staff is always a top priority in Klein ISD. We encourage all of our students and staff to be vigilant and proactive. Please contact us whenever you see or hear something suspicious concerning Klein ISD. If you see something, say something. Don't spread it, report it. Use the Keep Klein Safe red button located at the top of all Klein ISD webpages.
