At least eight teenagers were injured following a fire pit explosion Saturday, April 28 in Glendale Heights. Glenbard East High School students were among those injured, according to published and television news reports.
Glendale Heights police said the incident occurred at around 10:16 p.m. at a residence in the 1800 block of Marci Court.
Police said in a statement that it is believed the explosion was the result of a flammable material that was poured onto a small fire in a fire pit in the back yard of the residence when several people were nearby the fire.
Police said responding officers located several people who had received burns and summoned medical assistance. The injured, whose ages range from 14 to 17, were transported to area hospitals.
Police added that the cause of the fire is as yet undetermined, and the incident is still being investigated. There are no signs of foul play.
WGN-TV news reported many of the injured were at the Loyola University Medical Center’s burn unit, and that one of the teenagers was in a coma on a breathing tube. One victim suffered burns to much of his body, while two more victims suffered facial injuries and will need reconstructive surgery, according to WGN-TV news.
Glenbard East Principal Shahe Bagdasarian released the following statement:
“We are aware of this tragic event involving our students. Our student service team will be available to speak with students who need additional support throughout the week. Our positive thoughts and prayers go out to all the families involved, and we wish our students a speedy recovery. We are grateful to the first responders and the medical staff helping our students.”
Glendale Heights police urge anyone with information about this incident to call 630-260-6070.
Fundraisers being held for victims on May 12
- A fundraiser for four of the Glenbard East High School students who were among those injured following a fire pit explosion in Glendale Heights on Saturday, April, 28, will be held from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 12, at the Lombard Moose Lodge, 328 W. Roosevelt.
One-hundred (100) percent of the proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit the Hamilton, Bachner, Wolff and Galarza families. The students—Autumn Hamilton, Korryn Bachner, Alyssa Wolff and Ivan Galarza—each suffered burns in the explosion. GoFundMe.com pages also have been set up for each of these students.
There will be a cash bar and several raffles throughout the day (winners do not need to be present to win).
Burgers and fries will be available for $6 from noon to 3 p.m. A lasagna dinner, which includes a salad and garlic bread, is $10 and starts at 5 p.m.
Parking is available at the back of the building.
For more information on the fundraiser, contact either Sandi Wolski at 630-417-7407 ([email protected]) or Tracie Sikorski at 630-437-1399 ([email protected]).
- A car wash fundraiser to benefit the victims also will be held from 8 a.m. until 12 noon at Glenbard East High School, 1014 S. Main St., in the south parking lot.
