PEABODY — A light fixture in the Higgins Middle School cafeteria fell on a 14-year-old student, cutting his temple, during a Hawaiian-themed dance Wednesday night.
Police Capt. Dennis Bonaiuto said students at the luau were tossing large beach balls in the air when one hit the fixture, causing its cover to fall and hit the student.
The 14-year-old was taken by ambulance to North Shore Children's Hospital for the laceration to his head. Three more students were also taken to the hospital because of stress caused by the accident, Bonaiuto said.
Three police officers were monitoring the dance and provided first aid, the police captain said.
Seven additional students at the dance were evaluated by officers at Higgins and taken home by their parents. Bonaiuto said the students had grown anxious after seeing the accident.
Despite the interruption, the event went on.
"They cleaned up the mess and the dance continued," he said.
Messages left with Superintendent C. Milton Burnett, Higgins Principal Melissa Matarazzo and Business Manager Michael Musto were not returned as of press time.
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence
Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom
Few Answers in Death of Sons of Missing Utah Mom
Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is...
Raw Video: Deadly Helicopter Crash in Australia
Raw Video: Smoke, Purported Gunfire in Syria
Romney Latest Poll to Join Let-me-explain Club
Blast Kills Husband of Missing Utah Mom, 2 Boys
Obama: US, Israel Will Work Against Iran Nukes
NJ Museum Finds 19th Century Recording
Snow Causes Disruptions in Much of Europe
Clinton: Vetoed U.N. Syria Resolution 'travesty'
Romney Picks Up Decisive Win in Nevada Caucuses
Gingrich Renews Vow to Campaign Until Convention
Romney Rolls to Easy Win in Nevada GOP Caucuses
Raw Video: Missing Family Found Alive in Ore.
Police Clear Tents From Occupy Site in DC
