Investigation underway after middle school cheerleaders left with burn injuries in Texas

Police in Texas are investigating a middle school cheer coach after 13 cheerleaders suffered first- and second-degree burns during a workout on a sweltering track last week, according to a report.

The girls, all eighth-graders from Evans Middle School in Lubbock, were ordered to do a mile of crab walks and bear crawls on a scorching track as a punishment for performing a “disrespectful” routine at a recent football game, according to cheerleaders who spoke with local TV station KLBK.

One of the girls had to go to a hospital burn unit for treatment after the Wednesday workout.

“It was malicious. It was intentional,” one parent, who asked to remain anonymous, told the station.

A parent checked how hot the track was after the practice, and said the surface’s temperature was 125 degrees.

The cheerleaders’ parents said police launched an investigation and are hoping for criminal charges against the teacher, who has been placed on leave pending a school investigation.

“We are heartbroken over these events, as the safety and well-being of our students is our top priority,” Lubbock Independent School District said in a statement. “This type of incident does not reflect the standards or values of Lubbock ISD and Evans Middle School.”