Several pupils at the athenaeum secondary school in Sint-Lambrechts-Woluwe (Brussels) became unwell after inhaling chlorine. At least 16 pupils had to be taken to hospital.
Over a dozen pupils rushed to hospital after inhaling chlorine at Brussels school
Colin Clapson
Published:
The Brussels fire service was called out at around 11.25am this morning after several pupils at the secondary school on the Jacques Brellaan complained of respiratory problems. "A test at the school swimming pool proved positive for chlorine," explained Walter Derieuw, spokesman for the Brussels fire service.
"So far, 16 pupils have been taken to hospital. Our HazMat team is at the scene”.
HazMat teams are called in to assess and neutralise the most dangerous chemical, biological and radioactive substances in serious and/or life-threatening situations.
The fire service then proceeded to ventilate the building. It believes an accidental mixing of two chemicals caused the chlorine fumes.