VINELAND, N.J. - An annual pep rally at a southern New Jersey high school nearly turned tragic when a bonfire exploded, scattering numerous wood pallets. But only one minor injury was reported in Wednesday night's incident at Vineland High School, which has been labeled suspicious.
It was not immediately clear what caused the blast, which occurred around 6:30 p.m., shortly after the bonfire was lit.
Students had put together the pallets for the bonfire — with adult supervision — and members of the Vineland Fire Department were on scene as a precaution, authorities said. One firefighter was struck in the back of his leg by flying debris, but sustained only minor injuries and was treated at the scene by emergency medical personnel.
The pep rally — meant to energize fans for Vineland's annual Thanksgiving Day football game with archrival Millville High School — continued after the blast, although it was moved to a site off-campus.
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