Eleven sent to hospital over gas leak at To Kwa Wan secondary school

At least 11 students from New Asia Middle School in To Kwan Wan were sent to hospital following a gas leak at the laboratory during a class on Wednesday afternoon. 

Police received a report around 3.42 pm by a school staffer, who said some students fell sick during a chemistry class and developed symptoms like headache, dizziness, and stomachache over a suspected gas leak. 

A number of ambulances were soon dispatched and two male and nine female students were sent to Kwong Wah Hospital. 

It is understood that the incident involved a class of secondary three students who were having a chemistry class at the laboratory on the second floor of the school located on Farm Road. 

They were instructed to turn on the burners and one of the gas tubes is suspected to have come off, causing students to feel unwell with the irritating smell. 

According to a student surnamed Chan, the teacher immediately switched off the gas valve of the tube and one student even threw up. Still, the class didn’t panic as the teacher made follow-up arrangements. 

Another student said the school announced the incident via broadcast and said firefighters and police are coming to investigate and treat the affected students. Therefore the school ended about half an hour later today. 

+3