News - National
Grenade explosion sends 20 people to hospital in Kentucky
Posted: Aug 2, 2011 11:33 AM by Kirsten Bennett
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - Authorities in southeastern Kentucky say 20 people have been sent to hospitals for treatment after a tear gas grenade exploded in a boy's hand while three children played with it in a home.
The grenade created a powdery cloud, and caused injuries including burning eyes, cuts and chemical irritation to the skin.
The sheriff in Harlan County says the three children were in an upstairs bedroom in their grandmother's home when they found the grenade, from the Vietnam War era. He says when one child pulled the pin, the grenade exploded in his hand. The boy suffered cuts to his hand and face.
Others, including the grandmother, were exposed to the powder when they rushed to help the children.
According to the sheriff, the grenade had been brought into the house by two male relatives, who had found it among the belongings of a friend who had died.
No charges have been filed, but an investigation continues.
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