An investigation is underway into an alleged chemical gas leak, resulted in the closure of Umbilo Secondary School after pupils and teachers experienced difficulty breathing
Image: TUMI PAKKIES
Initial investigations carried out by Fire and Environmental Health officials revealed that the fumes affecting pupils and teachers at Umbilo Secondary School on Thursday were allegedly linked to a local company involved in a container-cleaning operation involving the chemical ethyl acrylate.
The fumes emitted during this operation are alleged to have drifted towards the school due to strong winds in the area.
Pupils and teachers at the school were evacuated after an alleged highly toxic gas leak.
Garrith Jamieson, of ALS Paramedics, said multiple children at the school experienced difficulty breathing, while one pupil was believed to have had a seizure.
The affected pupils and teachers were transported to Wentworth Hospital for treatment.
The Fire and Environmental Health officials revealed that the odour affecting the school was traced by monitoring wind patterns and conducting perimeter checks. They identified a local company. It is alleged the fumes drifted towards the school due to strong winds in the area.
According to a statement issued by the city, the municipality is currently verifying the company’s compliance documentation and operating procedures. The city has indicated that it is prepared to take legal action should any violations of compliance be confirmed during their investigation.
The municipality continues to conduct site inspections and environmental sampling throughout the surrounding industrial region. Actions involving enforcement measures, penalties, or directives will be accelerated based on the results of the ongoing investigation.
Sibusiso Mkhulisi, the Municipality’s Fire Regional Commander, said that once the alleged source was identified, the team immediately launched an intensive compliance investigation.
“We are conducting a full probe into the company’s practices, and if non-compliance is confirmed, we will act decisively with stricter legal measures.
“Classes have resumed today following safety checks that confirmed the odour had dissipated,” said Mkhulisi.