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Thousand Oaks Elementary School Closed Following Deadly Motor Explosion

THOUSAND OAKS (CBSLA.com) — Madrona Elementary School was closed Tuesday in order for officials to ensure the safety of the campus following a tragic accident involving two teenagers.

Around 7:30 p.m. on Monday, firefighters were called to the school located in the 600 block of Camino Manzanas for a reported explosion, according to the Ventura County Fire Department.

Upon their arrival, crews learned two male teenagers were injured on an athletic court after a homemade motor, which resembled a rocket, exploded in their hands. The teenagers were testing the motor for a science project.

One of the victims died as a result of his injuries. The coroner's office later identified him as Bernard Moon, 18, of Thousand Oaks.

bernard moon

The second teenager, a 17-year-old male, suffered injuries to his arm in the explosion. He remains listed in stable condition and is expected to survive.

According to mourners, both Thousand Oaks High School seniors were smart kids who were well-known within the community.

CBS2's Jasmine Viel reported one of the teenagers was recently accepted into UCLA.

According to sheriff's deputies, the device was around the size of a human arm and was powered by a small propane cylinder. The motor was not meant to blast into the air, but instead to propel things forward.

The Conejo Valley Unified School District released a written statement that reads in part: "Our sympathies go out to the families involved. We are thankful for the quick actions and support of emergency response personnel."

High school students dressed in all black Tuesday to pay their respects to Moon.

"We don't suspect any more danger," added Kuredjian. "This was a tragic event [and it was] nothing sinister."

School officials are cooperating with fire and police officials as they continue to investigate the incident.

The elementary school will reopen on Wednesday morning.

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