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2002 (c) Peninsula Community Access Newspaper Inc

 

Detonator injures student

 

A Brisbane Water Seconday College Woy Woy Campus student was involved in an accident while playing with an explosive substance from a railway detonator.

The accident caused him to receive bums to his body and hands.

He has had to have one of his hands operated on and will continue to need physiotherapy on this hand for many years to come.

Campus principal Ms Carolyn Carter said: "This is not the first time that this has happened.

"Several years ago when I was the Deputy at Narrabri High School, a student blew himself up when tinkering with a railway detonator.

"His intestines were blown out and one of his hands was very badly mutilated.

"Fortunately, the student's next door neighbour happened to be home and could take emergency action to stem the flow of blood and thus helped to save that student's life.

"The student was left with a badly deformed hand and has to wear a colon bag for the rest of his life."

Ms Carter warned students: "Do not experiment or play around with explosives of any type.

"Do not touch anything that you do not understand.

"Leave railway detonators alone and report anyone who is trying to sell or give them to you to the school or the police."

School newsletter, May 10