Education evacuation

13th January 2012

A school was evacuated and 32 people were taken to hospital this week after two students sprayed a chemical substance on the premises.

The incident took place in the north-eastern town of Choszczno and according to reports on TVN24 two 15-year-old boys have been arrested in connection with the prank.

Although no official name has yet been released, it is believed the sprayed substance is meant for deterring wild boars. Because of the nature of the spray, in total 600 people had to be evacuated from the building while fire-fighters ensured the site was safe.

After evacuation, 30 students from the school were taken straight to hospital along with two teachers. Although their injuries are not thought to be serious, some were kept in overnight for further observation.

Authorities were able to identify the two offenders after studying footage from the school’s CCTV and the boys are now being interviewed by local police.

If any formal charges are made against them, then it is possible they will have to stand before a court for minors.
In an official statement, police confirmed that the although a number of children and adults were taken to hospital, their injuries are not life-threatening.

“The spray was indeed intended for deterring boars and it was let off in the school building,” said Jakub Zareba, a spokesman for Choszczno’s District Police Headquarters.

“The students were immediately evacuated as soon as the alarm was raised. Several of them had to be taken to hospital after complaining of nausea,” he added.

The investigation into the incident is continuing.