Chemical Device Ruptured at SkyView Academy

What caused SkyView Academy to be evacuated?

Two juvenile males were taken into custody following a chemical device going off, causing an evacuation of Skyview Academy late Tuesday morning.

SkyView Academy closed early Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014, after a "chemical incident."
SkyView Academy closed early Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014, after a “chemical incident.” (7News)

The device, although not confirmed by the police department, was reported by students to be a water bottle with lithium likely added to it. When lithium and water mix, it creates a violent reaction that bursts at different proximities. “We are not at liberty to discuss the specifics of the device, other than to say the chemical reaction found within the container caused the device to rupture,” the Douglas county’s sheriff’s office later posted online.

As a result of the device going off, five people were taken to the hospital, including four students and one teacher due to chemical-related breathing issues and minor burns. They were released later that day.

The school was evacuated safely and alerted parents of an “isolated incident.” The students, however, soon returned to the gym in order to stay warm while it snowed. Students were picked up there and classes are expected to continue on Wednesday.

Charges have not yet been pressed against the two boys. “Any decision on potential charges as a result of this incident will be made by the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s office,” the Sheriff’s Office wrote, adding that the DA was participating in an investigation that includes “forensics, witness interviews and search warrants.”

No other schools in the Douglas county area or Cherry Creek Schools were evacuated or placed on lockdown.