Suffolk News-Herald

An explosion on Tuesday at a high school chemistry lab resulted in the suspension of a teacher and closure of the lab while the cause of the blast is under investigation.

According to Bethanne Bradshaw, spokesperson for Suffolk Public Schools, the explosion took place during an afternoon honors chemistry class being taught by Ashanta Ruffin at Lakeland High School.

Bradshaw said students were performing an experiment in Ruffin’s class when a beaker exploded in the science lab.

&uot;Two students were taken to the nurse’s office for minor injuries,&uot; said Bradshaw. &uot;The building was evacuated and the fire department called. Lieutenant Schmack and the Pitchkettle Road Fire Department responded.&uot;

Bradshaw also added that Schmack remained at the scene for some time and advised that the laboratory be closed pending the investigation by the school division and the fire department.