Several pupils at Umbilo Secondary School in KwaZulu-Natal were evacuated after a suspected gas leak or unusual smell was detected in the area, triggering a swift response from emergency services.
Paramedics and other emergency personnel arrived at the school to assess and treat affected pupils. Some of the children complained of breathing difficulties, while others were reported to be hyperventilating following the incident.
Garrith Jamieson, spokesperson for ALS Paramedics, said paramedics assessed about 20 pupils and one teacher at the scene.
He added that several pupils required further medical care and were transported to nearby hospitals for additional treatment and observation. In total, between six and eight pupils were taken to various medical facilities.
Emergency responders remained at the school while the situation was being managed and investigations into the source of the smell continued.
“I can’t confirm that it was a gas or chemical leak, as that will form part of an investigation,” he said.
