Girl, 15, caught FIRE at school after teacher's terrible oversight... now she has won $20m payout

By EMMA RICHTER, US SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 16:22, 10 June 2026 | Updated: 16:26, 10 June 2026 An Oregon high school student was set ablaze during a freak welding accident after her teacher failed to keep her safe, according to a lawsuit. The then 15-year-old girl, who has only been identified as A.P.M.N., was using a plasma cutting torch in a welding class at Ontario High School on February 25, 2025, when the scorching tool created a 'field of sparks,' the complaint reviewed by the Daily Mail stated.  At the time, the teenager was under the supervision of her teacher, Rodger Watkins, and 'was not required nor instructed to wear any proper protective clothing,' like a welding jacket, the filing read.  After demonstrating to students how to use the torch, which can reach temperatures of 40,000F, Watkins stepped away while the girl carried on, per the lawsuit.  As he did so, the hot tool erupted into sparks and 'engulfed' A.P.M.N.'s upper body in flames, leading her to run for her life and into the 'icy' snow outside in an attempt to put out the fire, according to the complaint.  She was then rushed to a hospital after sustaining second and third-degree burns to about 31 percent of her body, including on her chest, back, arms, and neck. More than a year on from the excruciating incident, the teen continues to suffer severe physical and emotional pain and has had to receive constant treatments for her burns, the complaint detailed.  The lawsuit, which accused Watkins, Ontario High School Principal Ken Martinez, and the Ontario School District of negligence, was settled with a $20 million payout to her and her family in April.  A 15-year-old Ontario High School student caught on fire after her welding teacher failed to keep her safe in class on February 25, 2025, according to a new lawsuit  Her instructor, Roger Watkins (pictured), demonstrated how to use the plasma cutting torch before stepping away, while the girl carried on, the complaint stated  That money will help cover approximately $14 million in past and future medical expenses, and will also go toward the 'pain and suffering, emotional and psychological injury, disfigurement and lost enjoyment of life,' the student's lawyers said in a statement sent to the Daily Mail.  Mallam Prior, one of the girl's lawyers, told Oregon Live: 'This girl endured something that no child should ever have to endure and will continue to have to endure side effects from this for the rest of her life.'  Anyone who operates a welding tool is required to wear heavy protective clothing and gear that is typically made of leather or other flame-retardant materials, according to the American Welding Society.  Plasma cutters specifically cut through electrically conductive material by sending a high-velocity burst of plasma, or ionized gas, through an electric arc, Maverick CNC Plasma Tables stated.  As a result, the torch instantly melts through metal. The tool is commonly used in art pieces, automotive repairs, and more.  Following the settlement, Prior said he and his client are very happy with how the case turned out.  A plasma cutting torch can reach temperatures of 40,000F. Anyone who uses it has to wear heavy protective clothing and gear that is typically made of leather or other flame-retardant materials. (Pictured: stock image of plasma cutting torch)  'We were very pleased with the Ontario School District and the Ontario High School and their insurance company to take accountability for this. Because she needs help now,' he told Oregon Live.  The district's attorney, Kurt Peterson, told the outlet it is sorry for what happened to the young victim and is also pleased with how the case was finalized.  The Daily Mail contacted Prior, Watkins, Martinez, and the Ontario School District for comment.  No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.