The Tribune Democrat, Johnstown, PA

Latest News

Discussion

October 25, 2012

Westmoreland County teacher in fair condition after being burned in science class

The Tribune-Democrat

DERRY — A school district and the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration are investigating after a chemistry teacher was burned during a class experiment at a Westmoreland County high school.

Thirty-five-year-old Brian Clawson was mixing potassium nitrate with sugar when it exploded, catching his shirt collar on fire and burning his hands, face and arms Wednesday at Derry Area High School. The school is about 30 miles west of Johnstown.

One student standing nearby suffered a minor burn on his leg, and another girl fell while the school was being evacuated just before noon Wednesday.

Students say Clawson was primarily concerned about the safety of his students. Another teacher rushed to help him pat out the flames on his clothes.

School and federal officials will investigate what went wrong with the experiment, which Clawson performed in earlier classes without incident.

 

Click here to subscribe to The Tribune-Democrat print edition.

Click here to subscribe to The Tribune-Democrat e-edition.

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Latest News
  • Game officials: Bald eagle killed in Cambria County

    The Pennsylvania Game Commission is trying to determine who fatally shot a bald eagle in western Pennsylvania earlier this month.

    May 21, 2013

  • 10 things to know for today

    Your look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:

    May 21, 2013

  • election_prep_21.JPG Independents, minor-party members locked out of primary election

    More than 1 million registered voters in Pennsylvania will be barred from casting a ballot today because the state only allows registered Democrats and Republicans to participate in the primary election.

    May 20, 2013 1 Photo

  • weather 21.JPG Huge tornado hits Oklahoma

    A monstrous tornado at least a half-mile wide roared through the Oklahoma City suburbs Monday, flattening entire neighborhoods and destroying an elementary school with a direct blow as children and teachers huddled against winds up to 200 mph. At least 51 people were killed, and officials said the death toll was expected to rise.

    May 20, 2013 1 Photo

  • Permit path cleared: Construction soon on Rt. 219 project

    The final permit is on the way for a Somerset-to-Meyersdale Route 219 improvement project to begin.
    It’s a years-in-the-making step that will allow the estimated $300 million plan to be advertised for bids in the coming weeks – and if all goes well, move it to construction this fall, U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster said Monday.

    May 20, 2013

  • odyssey_a1.JPG Emergency response team hones skills at training camp

    Almost certainly, no Cambria County Special Emergency Response Team members will ever be called upon to create a small bridge out of two pieces of wood and rope, use the newfangled walkway to get a group of individuals from one point to another, pick up an object at the end of the course and then figure out a way back to the starting point.
    But the skills SERT officers gain by participating in drills like those – leadership, teamwork, trust and creativity – can be invaluable when they are serving and protecting the community.

    May 20, 2013 2 Photos

  • Fun Day event to spotlight YMCA expansion

    The Y logo may be seen from the sky June 15 when Greater Johnstown YMCA community members get together to form a logo comprised of people at a Community Fun Day.

    May 20, 2013

  • Agency will provide produce vouchers to eligible seniors

    Income-eligible residents ages 60 and older will have a chance to stock up a bit on locally grown produce through a voucher program offered in Cambria and Somerset counties this year.

    May 20, 2013

  • Poverty simulation slated for today

    Annamarie Pihs experienced firsthand the kind of harsh economic times she will be helping educate Johnstown community leaders about during today’s Walk a Day in My Shoes: Understanding Poverty event at Greater Johnstown High School.

    May 20, 2013

  • chatman21.JPG In Brief | 27 students escape injury in bus crash

    State police in Ebensburg are investigating a school bus crash that happened Monday on Route 36 in Clearfield Township.

    May 20, 2013 1 Photo

Poll

Do we have too many economic development agencies in our area?

Yes, they end up fighting over the same money
No, our region needs all of the help it can get
I'm not sure
     View Results
AP Video
Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims Raw: Aerials Show Path of Oklahoma Destruction Raw: Widespread Destruction in Moore, Okla. Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma Raw: Japan's WWII Atrocities Under Fire in Seoul Voters Could Elect LA's First Female Mayor Raw: Rescuers Pull Tornado Survivors to Safety Oklahoma Gov: 'Hearts Are Broken' After Tornado Raw: Walking in a Flattened Okla. Neighborhood Raw: Rescue Workers Search Oklahoma School Raw: Witness Describes Scene After Okla. Tornado Raw: Aftermath of Massive Tornado in Oklahoma Raw: House Burns After Massive Oklahoma Tornado Raw: Tornado on the Ground in Oklahoma Split-second Choice Ended With NY Student Dead White House Backs 'Shield Law' for Media Wave of Attacks Kills Scores in Iraq Pug Life on Display at Wisconsin Festival Company Promises to Make All Snail Mail Digital Analyst: Tumblr Fills Void in Yahoo's Offerings
Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
House Ads
Hyperlocal Search
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Order Photos


Photo Slideshow