Lehi High School teacher hospitalized after incident in welding class

LEHI, Utah, May 10, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) – Lehi High School was briefly placed on lockdown after a teacher was injured in an incident in welding class Friday morning.

The teacher was hospitalized and police and firefighters responded to the school, after which school officials announced that crisis counseling was available to anyone in need.

“A Lehi High School teacher was injured in a tragic, very unfortunate accident during class today,” the Alpine School District said in a statement released Friday afternoon.

“He was taken to a local hospital for further medical treatment. No students were injured.

“The Lehi Police Department and Lehi Fire Department immediately responded to the accident. The area is secure and there are no additional risks to students or other visitors to the school.

“The parents of all Lehi High students have been notified of the accident and the support services and crisis counseling available to them.”

It was not immediately clear why a police response was required and a “hold” status was put in place to secure the school.

“Retention means keeping students in classrooms while adults are held accountable,” Rich Stowell, the district’s communications director, said in an email. “For example, no one would wander through the halls while on hold.”

The accident occurred in the agriculture building, which is separate from the main classroom building on campus, Stowell said, the ag building where some career and technical courses are taught.

“During this difficult time, we extend our deepest concern to the affected teachers and their families,” the district’s statement said.

“We are grateful that no students were injured in the accident and appreciate the quick and professional response of the Lehi Fire Department and Police Department. We continue to work with our first responder partners to ensure our school community is safe and informed.

“We are also grateful to our outstanding school administrators who consistently lead their teachers, staff, students and families with empathy and compassion.”