High School Student Killed, Another Injured in Model Rocket Explosion

One teenage student was klled and another injured after a model rocket exploded at a Thousand Oaks elementary school Monday night.

The teens, an 18-year-old and a 17-year-old boy, were high school students testing the rocket for a project at Madrona Elementary School when it exploded, officials said.

The blast happened at around 7:30 p.m. in the school courtyard, according to fire officials.

Both students were transported to the Los Robles Hospital, the 18-year-old man was in critical condition and the 17-year-old was in stable condition, according to the Ventura County Fire Department.

The 18-year-old, later identified as Bernard Moon, died at the hospital, according to the Ventura County medical examiner's office. Authorities are not releasing the identity of the 17-year-old.

Moon was a chemistry buff, placing second in chemistry at the Ventura County Science Fair last year.

Witnesses told NBC 4 the students were not trying to launch the rocket when it exploded for unknown reasons.

The teens were students at Thousand Oaks High School, officials at the school confirmed.

"Our hearts are broken. But the bonds of faculty, staff, & students will bring healing. Thank you to all for your support at this time," the school tweeted.

The school asked students to wear green (the school's color) on Wednesday in memory of Moon.

A memorial service was held for the teen at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church on Tuesday.

An investigation into the explosion was under way.