5 teens burned during Alki Beach bonfire mishap
SEATTLE -- Five teenagers were burned during a Monday night bonfire accident on Alki Beach.
Seattle firefighters first responded to a call about an explosion near 59th Ave. SW and Alki Ave. SW just before 9 p.m.
When they arrived on scene, they learned that five high school students -- four boys and a girl -- were burned when one of the teens put an "excessive amount of accelerant" on a bonfire, according to Kyle Moore of the Seattle Fire Department.
Two of the students, who are believed to be in their late teens, were taken to Harborview Medical Center with second and third-degree burns on their upper bodies and faces. Those boys were listed in satisfactory condition Tuesday morning.
Two other boys suffered less severe burns to their arms and legs, and one girl suffered burns to her face, hair and legs. All three were also taken to Harborview for treatment, with two being admitted and a third treated and released.
Hospital spokeswoman Susan Gregg says all but one teen were to be released by Tuesday afternoon, while the lone remaining patient was in satisfactory condition.
Investigators are still trying to figure out what type of accelerant was used on the fire, but a witness said when the flames erupted from the fire pit it sounded like a mortar round went off.
"Originally we were at the fire pit next to them, and by the time I looked there was a big explosion and we saw four people on fire," said Jimmy Nguyen.
Firefighters found a large amount of school papers in the pit, which they say could have easily helped ignite the fire.
Seattle firefighters first responded to a call about an explosion near 59th Ave. SW and Alki Ave. SW just before 9 p.m.
When they arrived on scene, they learned that five high school students -- four boys and a girl -- were burned when one of the teens put an "excessive amount of accelerant" on a bonfire, according to Kyle Moore of the Seattle Fire Department.
Two of the students, who are believed to be in their late teens, were taken to Harborview Medical Center with second and third-degree burns on their upper bodies and faces. Those boys were listed in satisfactory condition Tuesday morning.
Two other boys suffered less severe burns to their arms and legs, and one girl suffered burns to her face, hair and legs. All three were also taken to Harborview for treatment, with two being admitted and a third treated and released.
Hospital spokeswoman Susan Gregg says all but one teen were to be released by Tuesday afternoon, while the lone remaining patient was in satisfactory condition.
Investigators are still trying to figure out what type of accelerant was used on the fire, but a witness said when the flames erupted from the fire pit it sounded like a mortar round went off.
"Originally we were at the fire pit next to them, and by the time I looked there was a big explosion and we saw four people on fire," said Jimmy Nguyen.
Firefighters found a large amount of school papers in the pit, which they say could have easily helped ignite the fire.
