Youths Burned in Science Project Get Skin Grafts

Two teenagers who were severely burned last week during a science experiment at William S. Hart High School in Newhall underwent their first skin grafts Saturday, but face additional surgery and possible infection, hospital officials said.

Christopher James, 17, of Stevenson Ranch remained in critical condition after nearly three hours of surgery at the Grossman Burn Center at Sherman Oaks Hospital, said Dr. Peter Grossman, a burn center surgeon.

James’ classmate, Nolan Lemar, also 17, of Castaic, was in fair condition after surgery, hospital officials said.

The youths were injured when a cannon made from apple juice cans exploded in a fireball during a science experiment last Wednesday.

The physics experiment, in which methanol ignited with a match was intended to launch a tennis ball as a projectile, was conducted on the football field under the supervision of science teacher Thomas Magee.

James suffered second- and third-degree burns over 50% of his body. The surgeons Saturday removed charred skin from his face, neck, arms, shoulders, chest and hands and covered the wounds with cadaver skin, hospital officials said.

Doctors also examined his lungs, bronchial tubes, trachea and vocal cords and inserted a feeding tube through his abdomen into his stomach.

“He’s still critical and with these types of injuries you run into peaks and valleys. Today was a good day,” Grossman said. “These injuries can lead into a lot of peril.”

On Monday, James is expected to undergo a tracheotomy to speed the healing of his larynx, which was scorched when he inhaled toxic, superheated gas released from the makeshift cannon that exploded in his hands.

“Right now he is on a respirator and that tube is rubbing against the vocal cords, which is irritating them and slowing the healing process,” said Larry Weinberg, a spokesman for the Sherman Oaks burn center.

The procedure is to be followed with more surgery Thursday, Weinberg said.

Though James remained in critical condition after Saturday’s surgery, Weinberg said, his condition is what doctors would expect for someone with his injuries.

“He has tolerated surgery and he is moving forward,” Weinberg said.

Lemar underwent similar surgery to remove dead and burned tissue, Weinberg said.

On Tuesday, Lemar will undergo what is expected to be his final surgery and skin grafting, Weinberg said.

Lemar, who was standing next to James and holding a bottle of alcohol when the flash fire occurred, suffered severe burns over 12% of his body. The explosion seared the left side of his body, including his ear, scalp, face, nose, neck, chest, forearm and hand.

Members of both families have held a constant vigil in the burn center lobby since the boys were rushed there Wednesday.

On Saturday, Matt James, Christopher’s uncle, said the family was grateful for the community’s support and prayers. He described his nephew as a fighter.

“Knowing the kind of person he is, he will do his best,” James said.