JFK High School damaged in explosion to open at school year start

NEW YORK -- City officials say a Bronx high school damaged in an explosion will be open on the first day of school next week.

The blast last month blew the walls and windows off several classrooms on the sixth floor of the John F. Kennedy High School and badly burned three workers.

Officials say the damaged areas have been sealed off, and the building is structurally sound. They also say air quality tests have shown there is no risk to students and staff.

The school year is scheduled to start Sept. 9. Seven schools use the building.

Workers had been upgrading science labs at the school. Officials say the blast happened when a worker tested a gas line by lighting a match.