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Student killed in explosion

May 27, 2011, Ottawa – Students and teachers at an Ottawa high school are in shock after an 18-year-old student – who was to graduate in a few weeks – was killed in an explosion.

The blast yesterday in the auto shop also sent four students and a teacher to hospital, but their injuries are thought to be minor.

Eric Leighton died last night in hospital.

He wasn't breathing and had no pulse when emergency workers arrived at the school, but paramedics were able to resuscitate him.

On its website, the Catholic school board asked that people keep Eric, his family, the injured and students and staff in their prayers.

Ottawa police, the Fire Marshal and Fire Services are trying to determine the cause of the explosion at Mother Teresa Catholic High School.

It's thought that a dozen students and a teacher were building barbecues in the shop when vapours from an empty 55-gallon oil drum ignited and blew up.