BULAHDELAH Central School principal Don Hudson has thanked all the people who supported the school and parents of the boys involved in the recent burns incident.
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Chris Chatwood,13, and three of his friends were injured in an explosion outside the Chatwood family home on March 24.
Two of Chris’ close mates from Bulahdelah Central School, aged 12 and 13, copped the worst of the explosion and suffered severe burns that may leave them scarred for life. Chris and another boy, aged 11, suffered burns to their feet.
The boys had been playing with nitromethane fuel – used for a remote-controlled boat – when it ignited in the driveway of the Chatwood family’s Curlew Crescent home in Nerong south of Bulahdelah.
Police have ruled the explosion an accident and issued a warning about children handling high-octane fuel.
Neighbours said they turned to see the boys screaming and running, flames covering their arms, legs, chest and face. One resident grabbed a hose to extinguish the blaze and then the boys were thrown into a cold bath or shower.
Mr Hudson said the thoughts of the school community are with the two boys still in hospital and their families.
Recently Bev Brooker and Sue Limon dropped off two quilts, made by Ann Johnson and donated by The Mid North Coast (NSW) Community Quilters, to be signed by students with messages of support. Bev and Sue will deliver these quilts to the boys.
Mr Hudson said it was a very heartwarming gesture and he was sure they will be appreciated by the boys and their families.
