Officials Investigate Carmel High School Explosion, Fire: Photos

CARMEL, IN — All practices and after-school events at Carmel High School are canceled Thursday as the building is closed after an explosion on the second floor caused a fire Wednesday night at the school while students and staff were inside the building, school and fire officials said.

The Carmel Fire Department said two people were injured, one suffering severe burns during the incident that happened around 6:15 p.m. CFD said crews were working a fire on the roof of the school that they believe started inside a second floor mechanical/boiler room where several reports indicated workers were relighting heaters. That's when a maintenance worker and contractor were injured and taken to a nearby hospital.

School officials and CFD were meeting Thursday morning to assess the damage from Wednesday's incident.

Damage and debris inside Carmel High School's gym on the basketball court. "My son was on this court when it happened...I'm grateful they ran out so quickly when the bricks started falling..." - Heather Boles Judy via Carmel Fire Department Facebook page. (Photo: Carmel Fire Department)

(Photo: Carmel Fire Department)

(Photo: Carmel Fire Department)

Patch reported Wednesday that according to CFD, all students who were inside the building due to winter break sports practices and after school events were unharmed, and brought to stadium locker rooms where parents were directed for pickup.

CFD said crews were still at the high school at 7:15 p.m. checking the space surrounding entrance 17, a nearby stairwell and the surrounding area.

(Photo of entrance area: Carmel Fire Department)

(Photo of stairwell area: Carmel Fire Department)

Dr. Michael Beresford, Superintendent of Carmel Clay Schools, released the following statement Thursday morning:

"I spoke with two men that walked out of an explosion and fire last night- miracles happen! I’m so thankful for CFD & CPD who cared for those men & evacuated kids & others out of the building. Many heroes took good care of one another in a scary situation. Thank you!"

>> 2 Injured In Carmel High School Fire, Explosion: Fire Department

Just after 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, CFD reported the fire was out and a few patients with minor injuries were checked and released at the scene. Vectren also confirmed the building's gas was shut off before 7 p.m., CFD said, although crews still called Vectren due to the smell of gas near the damaged area.

"We are thankful for the first responders and city officials assisting in tonight’s explosion at the school. All practices and contests at the school are canceled on Thursday. The building will be closed. More information will be provided as it becomes available on Thursday," Inskeep said in a statement.

Fire being knocked down. Just light smoke from the roof now. pic.twitter.com/R3TzA3JfME
— Carmel Fire PIO (@CFD911runs) December 26, 2018

Patch will continue updating this story as more information comes in.

Top/main photos also credited to Carmel Fire Department