KATY, Texas – A Texas high school baseball coach was put on administrative leave after he allegedly fired at pitching machine at two students, sending both to the hospital.

The Taylor High School baseball coach was suspended Wednesday after an incident at practice in which he allegedly shot baseballs through the pitching machine at students who were standing where they weren’t supposed to be, WDAM reports.

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“Katy (Independent School District) says the coach turned on the machine, and the child was hit squarely in the eye,” according to the news site.

“When I saw him today, he couldn’t even open his eye,” the WDAM reporter said.

Family friends said the student hit in the eye suffered fractures, swelling, and are concerned he may suffer permanent neurological damage, ABC 13 reports.

“My son was questioned on that investigation,” parent Chris Rucker told WDAM. “Those are his brothers out there. They are very close on this team and he was saddened that one of his good friends got hurt and would like to see him back. All the boys are very concerned.”

Both players injured in the incident missed the team’s most recent game on Thursday.

“Whether it could’ve been prevented or not, that would be up to the district and their investigation and how they interpret that,” Rucker said.

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School officials would not discuss the incident, and instead released a prepared statement. Local police are now investigating whether the coach’s actions warrant criminal charges. Police interviewed several students who witnessed the incident Thursday.

“Because this is an open investigation, we do not have any further details at this time,” the district statement read. “However, we assure parents that the safety of all students and staff during any type of athletic practice, competition or related event is top priority, and this incident will be thoroughly investigated. The Coach has been placed on administrative leave pending the results of this investigation.”

“So was it on purpose or not? If not I don’t see why anyone brought it to the media. Accidents happen,” Taxyayerlivesmatter posted to the ABC 13 comments.

“I heard … the coach positioned the machine and turned it on,” Annie wrote. “I hope that is not true.”

“I have a feeling this is being blown out of proportion,” Square Grouper added.

“If you can dodge a ball, you can dodge a wrench,” Rick in TX wrote.