1 dead after model rocket explodes at California elementary school
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- An 18-year-old high school student was killed and another teenager was injured after their model rocket exploded at Madrona Elementary School in Thousand Oaks, authorities said.
CBS Los Angeles reports that the Ventura County Fire Department said they responded to a call of an explosion in the 600 block of Camino Manzanas at about 7:30 p.m.
A group of Girl Scouts was meeting nearby. Witnesses reported hearing a loud boom.
The identities of the victims were not released by authorities. But mourners who showed up to the school said the two students were both smart kids that were high school seniors and well-known in the community.
"The community is hit hard because everyone knows them in the community," one witness said. "As people started hearing the word, they didn't know how to react. It's tragic."
The victim who survived the explosion suffered injuries to his arm but is expected to make a recovery.