Model rocket injures child

A local juvenile trying to launch a model rocket was treated for burns to his hands and left eye at Sierra View District Hospital Sunday.

The Porterville Fire Department responded Sunday morning to the Porterville Airport for a report of an injured child.

The incident occurred in a hangar owned by the child’s family. The child, however, had already been transported to the hospital by private vehicle.

When the fire department arrived, they learned the child was mixing a substance used to separate the parachute from the rocket. The substance ignited, causing burns to his hands and eye.

The child was treated at Sierra View District Hospital for burns to both hands and his left eye and transported to Fresno Regional Hospital’s burn unit for further treatment.