An investigation is underway into an alleged chemical gas leak in Wentworth that resulted in the closure of Umbilo Secondary School after learners and teachers experienced difficulty breathing
Image: TUMI PAKKIES
The eThekwini Municipality has initiated a critical investigation and heightened compliance checks following a distressing incident that occurred on Thursday, where toxic fumes affected both learners and teachers at a school in Wentworth.
Learners and teachers at Umbilop Secondary School had to be evacuated after an alleged highly toxic gas leak.
Garrith Jamieson of ALS Paramedics said multiple children at the school experienced difficulty breathing, while one learner is belived to have had a seizure.
The affected learners and teachers were transported to Wentworth Hospital for treatment.
Initial investigations carried out by Fire and Environmental Health officials revealed that the odour affecting the school was traced by monitoring wind patterns and conducting perimeter checks.
Officials identified a local company involved in a container-cleaning operation involving the chemical ethyl acrylate. The fumes emitted during this operation are alleged to have drifted towards the school due to strong winds in the area.
According to a statement issued by the City, the municipality is currently verifying the company’s compliance documentation and operating procedures. The city has indicated that it is prepared to take legal action should any violations of compliance be confirmed during their investigation.
The Municipality continues to conduct site inspections and environmental sampling throughout the surrounding industrial region. Actions involving enforcement measures, penalties, or directives will be accelerated based on the results of the ongoing investigation.
Sibusiso Mkhulisi, the Municipality’s Fire Regional Commander, said that once the alleged source was identified, the team immediately launched an intensive compliance investigation.
“We are conducting a full probe into the company’s practices, and if non-compliance is confirmed, we will act decisively with stricter legal measures.
“Classes have resumed today following safety checks that confirmed the odour had dissipated,” said Mkhulisi.