Two affected by chemical fumes at Sir Baniyas School

Abu Dhabi A school was evacuated Monday after a pupil recklessly interacted with various chemicals located in its laboratory.

The resulting odour caused a Grade 12 pupil and the lab technician at the Sir Bani Yas School to collapse. They were transferred to Al Mafraq hospital for treatment.

“Surveillance cameras revealed that the offensive odor was spread due to one of the pupils messing with a chemical substance. This has resulted in the suffocation of Belal Yahya, a Grade 12 pupil and Mohammad Sami Ameen, the lab technician and school health and safety officer, who was helping evacuate school pupils,” said Mohammad Salem Al Dhaheri, the Executive Director of School Operations at the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC).

Health and safety

The school was evacuated by a school health and safety team in collaboration with the civil defence. The school administration suspended classes for the remainder of the day. Pupils will return to the school Tuesday after officials ensure that everything has returned to normal.

“It was evacuated within five minutes of the incident and the injured were promptly transferred to [the hospital] where they received the necessary medical care,” Al Dhaheri said.

“ADEC is collaborating with the competent authorities in conducting investigations to take the necessary action. We urge our pupils to refrain from any act that would endanger the safety and security of the community,” he added.

Dizziness, respiratory irritation

Dr. Hussain Masalma, emergency specialist at Al Mafraq Hospital, said that the hospital had received the injured who inhaled the gas Monday morning. They were suffering from respiratory irritation, severe cough, running nose, mild dizziness and tears.

“The patients received the suitable attention in a timely manner and are now in a healthy condition, they will however remain under medical observation for the next 24 hours,” Dr Masalma said.