Oct. 30--A student at a Near West Side charter school is suing for injuries she says she suffered when a pumpkin exploded in a class science experiment.
Bryanna Romero filed the lawsuit Tuesday against UIC College Prep, part of the Noble Network of Charter Schools, and chemistry teacher Cynthia Donati.
The botched science experiment occurred Oct. 31, 2014, according to the lawsuit.
The lawsuit alleges that Donati was attempting to mix boric acid and methanol inside a pumpkin to demonstrate the effects of the combined chemicals. At some point, there was an explosion and Romero, then 17, was injured. The lawsuit does not detail the type or extent of Romero's injuries.
Multiple media reports at the time said three students were hurt in the exploding pumpkin incident and taken to Stroger Hospital. Two kids suffered minor chemical burns to their faces, and a third had eye irritation.
The lawsuit said Donati was negligent in mixing an improper ratio of chemicals and in conducting the experiment too close to students. The suit also alleges that the school and Donati failed to provide Romero with protective goggles.
Donati is listed as a staff member at the school as of this month. Romero is seeking at least $50,000 in damages.
A spokesman for the Noble charter network declined comment on the lawsuit.
cdrhodes@tribpub.com
