Glenbard East students injured in Glendale Heights fire pit explosion

Eight people were injured in a fire pit explosion April 28 in the 1800 block of Marci Court in Glendale Heights, according to a news release from the Glendale Heights Police Department.

Those injured included teenagers between the ages of 14 and 17, and the bonfire was attended by students from Glenbard East High School in Lombard, according to media reports.

The Glendale Heights Police Department and Glenside Fire Protection District responded to the report of an explosion at 10:16 p.m., locating several people who had received burns and summoning medical assistance, the release stated. The injured were transported to area hospitals.

One victim is in a coma with a breathing tube, while two others will need facial reconstructive surgery and one was burned over much of his body, reports stated.

It is believed the explosion was a result of a flammable material that was poured onto a small fire in a fire pit in the backyard of a residence when several people were nearby, according to the release. The incident is under investigation.

"We are aware of this tragic event involving our students," Glenbard East Principal Shahe Bagdasarian said in a statement shared with media. "Our student services team will be available to speak with students who need additional support throughout the week. Our positive thoughts and prayers go out to all the families involved and we wish our students a speedy recovery. We are grateful to the first responders and the medical staff helping our students."