Eight learners have been rushed to nearby hospitals for further treatment following a suspected gas leak at a school in Wentworth, South of Durban.
Several learners were treated on-site for gas inhalation after a pungent odor reportedly swept through the school grounds.
Private emergency services treated scores of students on the scene for respiratory distress and dizziness.
The school has been officially closed for the day and evacuated as a precautionary measure.
Suspected gas-leak at a school in Wentworth, Durban:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9lJo6D0bNM
‘Strong chemical smell’
Residents say they are increasingly concerned about recurring leaks from nearby factories. Community member Zalitha Kruger described a strong chemical smell similar to nail polish remover or acetone spreading through the area, causing panic.
Kruger says this is not the first time such an incident has occurred, adding that similar events have happened repeatedly over the years.
She says these incidents often result in vulnerable residents particularly children with asthma, chest problems or heart conditions being rushed to hospital.
She addds that the communitty is calling for stricter safety measures and better training for factory safety officers, saying residents believe ongoing negligence continues to put their health and safety at risk.
