Two hospitalized after chemistry experiment explodes

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Two students conducting a science experiment were injured Wednesday when they emptied chemicals into a waste jar and set off a minor explosion in a Southwest Missouri State laboratory.

The students, who were not identified, were taken to a Springfield hospital with arm and facial cuts. The injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.

The explosion occurred about Temple Hall on the campus.

The students had emptied chloroform and ether into a chemical waste jar, said Tammy Jahnke, head of the Chemistry Department.

The two chemicals are typically mixed together without incident, she said.

Investigators were trying to determine whether another chemical may have caused them to react.

Smoke filled the room, but there was no serious damage to the lab, authorities said.