Chemistry experiment accident at Brentwood school injures 2 high school students

Watch: View above Heritage High, Adams Middle School in Brentwood during chemical spill response

A chemistry experiment mishap at a school in Brentwood has left two students injured, according to fire officials and the Liberty Union High School District.

The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District said crews responded at 12:26 p.m. to the incident at Adams Middle School, which happened during a chemistry presentation by high school students from the adjacent Heritage High School campus. Earlier, Con Fire had reported three students had been injured at the Heritage campus.

First responders on the scene following an incident at the Heritage High School and Adams Middle School campuses in Brentwood on May 22, 2026. CBS

While the science experiment went smoothly, two high school students suffered burns when a chemical was accidentally spilled during cleanup following the presentation, the school district said.

A student who spoke to CBS News Bay Area said that at the time of the accident, he heard screams and later saw a helicopter land on the school field. The school district said students were airlifted to the UC Davis Burn Center for treatment.

No other students or staff were injured. LUHSD added that it was conducting a thorough review of the incident and its science safety procedures.

This is a breaking news update. More information to be added as available.

Read more
f

We and our partners use cookies to understand how you use our site, improve your experience and serve you personalized content and advertising. Read about how we use cookies in our cookie policy and how you can control them by clicking Manage Settings. By continuing to use this site, you accept these cookies.