A game of tug of war at a local high school turned tragic when two students had their fingers severed.

The contest was part of the spirit week festivities at South El Monte High School.

About 40 students were participating in the game, which was held at lunchtime, according to people who were there.

The rope snapped, and when it did, it somehow severed fingers from the hands of a male and female student.

fingers-picEdith Rodriguez is a senior and a soccer player. Pablo Ocegueda is also a senior and is active in sports.

Both were taken by ambulance to County USC Medical Center. Doctors on Monday performed surgery on them to reattach the fingers.