Earlier today, at 4:10 p.m., 9-1-1 emergency dispatch received a call about a possible explosion at the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum in downtown Reno.
Emergency crews responded and found the building evacuated; several children had received burns. A total of 13 people were injured. Of those 13, nine (one adult and eight children) were transported to Renown Regional Medical Center. At this time, Renown authorities have indicated that only one child will remain in the hospital for observation and will likely be released tomorrow.
Primary injuries include minor burns and minor smoke inhalation. The injuries were the result of a mishap of a routine museum demonstration that simulates a tornado. Reno Fire Department investigators are working with museum staff to determine what caused the chemical flash.
Hazmat crews were called to the scene to ensure that there were no toxic chemicals present after the demonstration.
“Our crews worked very well together,” Reno Fire Chief Michael Hernandez says. “REMSA transported the injured within 15 minutes, and the Reno Police Department helped to secure the scene.”
SOURCE: City of Reno.
