CHESTERTOWN, Md. (AP) — A 12-year-old boy has been charged with arson after a fire was sparked on a school bus by a loaded flare gun in his bag.
The Star Democrat of Easton reports that the boy was charged with arson, malicious burning and other offenses in the March 5 fire on a bus in Chestertown. He has been referred to the Department of Juvenile Services and released to his mother.
Fire officials say the boy had a loaded flare gun in his bag, which went off on the bus. The driver and 28 students were able to get off the bus, but seven children were treated at a hospital for smoke inhalation.
Officials say the fire destroyed the bus with an estimated $45,000 in damage.
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