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Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeLocalStudent lights self on fire, injures another

Student lights self on fire, injures another

A Standley Lake High School student reportedly set himself on fire Monday morning , severely burning himself and causing minor injuries to another person, according to the Westminster Fire Department.

The Westminster school was evacuated and is closed.

Denver Archbishop Samuel Aquila tweeted in response to the news saying, “Please join me in praying for the young man injured during the alleged suicide attempt.”

Emergency crews responded to reports of a fire at 7:15 a.m. Jan. 27, said Diana Wilson, a Westminster Fire Department spokeswoman.

Police discovered a 16-year-old male student entered the high school cafeteria and lit himself on fire. A school employee used a fire extinguisher to put the fire out, according to a release.

“I’ve heard it was suicide but I can’t confirm that,” Wilson said.

The male student suffered burns over 80 percent of his body and was transported to an area hospital. He remains in critical condition as of press time Monday.

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The student’s motive for lighting himself on fire remained unclear.

The school will also be closed Jan. 28 although students will be allowed to return to pick-up their belongings, said Melissa Reeves, Jeffco Public Schools news media specialist. Counselors will be available to students all day Tuesday.

An investigation is ongoing.

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