Teacher and Student at Brookline High School Sustained Burn Injuries in Summer School Accident After Fire During Chemistry Class
BROOKLINE, MASSACHUSETTS (August 2, 2025) – A Brookline High School teacher and student were both burned after a fire broke out during a chemistry experiment in summer school.
Officials at Brookline are saying that the incident took place on Tuesday. A teacher was conducting some sort of experiment with isopropyl alcohol.
Once the alcohol ignited, the shirt of a nearby student caught fire and caused them to sustain serious burn injuries. The teacher was able to help put out the fire with a fire extinguisher.
Paramedics were called to the scene to help the victim. The student was transported to Boston Children’s Hospital. The teacher reportedly sustained less serious burn injuries.
A full investigation into the Brookline High School accident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Norfolk County School Accidents
Schools across Illinois have a legal obligation to take certain measures to prevent accidents. They can be liable for accidents and injuries that were the result of foreseeable sources of harm. Among other things, schools should take several actions to keep the children in their care safe.
- Safe Environment: All areas within a school should be routinely inspected and well-maintained. Walkways should be kept clear, and nonslip mats should be used in certain areas to prevent slips and falls.
- Supervision: School officials must adequately supervise students at all times and enforce those measures necessary for their protection. The staff at the school should also be well trained to respond to an emergency.
- Equipment: Schools should supply students with all protective equipment and safety gear. This will include eye protection in chemistry class and helmets for contact sports.
When school officials injure students due to their negligent actions, the school district that they work for could be held vicariously liable. Consider, for example, Desmarais v. Wachusett Regional School District, 360 Mass. 591 (1971). A high school student lost vision in one eye after a chemical experiment suddenly exploded. The teacher’s failure to enforce eye protection requirements was considered negligent under G.L. c. 71, § 55C.
Preventing Accidents During Chemistry Class
While science departments at schools are generally safe, accidents do occur and may result in catastrophic injuries. According to Science, “Sheharbano Sangji, a 2008 graduate of Pomona College, was badly burned while working in the laboratory of Patrick Harran, professor and chair of the department, and died 18 days later.” Certain safety measures can help prevent these types of accidents.
- No Open Flames: There should be absolutely no open flames near flammable materials like alcohol.
- Proper Storage: Any type of flammable material should be properly secured in flameproof cabinets.
- Lab Stations: The lab stations that students work at should use fume hoods to prevent the accumulation of explosive vapors.
- Safety Equipment: Fire extinguishers and other necessary safety equipment should be stored nearby and easily accessible.
- Training: Students should begin every semester with a safety orientation that highlights the dangers associated with flammable materials.
One of the best steps that parents can take after any such incident is to explore their legal options with a skilled personal injury attorney. An attorney can take steps to ensure that the rights of students and parents are being upheld after any injury in a school setting. Unfortunately, schools will often do everything in their power to deny legal responsibility when a student in their care is injured.
Getting Legal Help After Massachusetts High School Accidents
We at DiBella Law extend our best wishes to the student and teacher injured in this accident at Brookline High School. Had proper safety precautions been taken, this accident may have been averted. It is our sincere hope that school district officials will implement additional safety measures to help prevent a similar incident down the road. The safety of the students in their care should be the top priority of every school district.
Has your child been injured in an accident at a school in Massachusetts? You may be entitled to financial compensation. Our team of highly experienced Boston premises liability attorneys is here to help you. We have consistently achieved some of the highest verdicts and settlements for accident victims across the state.
When you speak to us, we will evaluate your case free of cost and let you know your legal options. Whether you just have legal questions or are wondering how an attorney may help with your particular situation, we are here for you. You can contact us anytime online.