13 pupils hospitalised in Lagos after inhaling poisonous fumes

There was pandemonium at the Ogba Junior Grammar School, Lagos on Thursday when 13 pupils fell unconscious after inhaling a gaseous substance from unidentified source.

The incident was said to have occurred during the 12 noon break time.

22 pupils of the same school had on November 1, 2013 fainted after inhaling a gaseous substance.

Following reports on the incident, a photo laboratory behind the school was investigated and was subsequently shut down by the Lagos State Government.

 
A security guard, who did not identify himself, said, “It happened during the break time. The wind blew the gas in the direction of the school and the students who were close by began to choke. They were immediately rushed to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, while the school was closed for the day.”

Officials of the Lagos State Safety Commission were also seen at the school conducting an on-the-spot investigation.

The Lagos State Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Damasus Ozoani, said, “We are yet to ascertain the company where the emission originated from. But ongoing investigation revealed that the emission affected Ogba Junior Grammar School and about eight pupils in the school were affected. The pupils have been taken to LASUTH and they are responding to treatment.

“Meanwhile, the school has been temporarily closed and the Ogba Shopping Arcade in front of the school has equally been temporarily closed to enable LASEMA take proper assessment of what actually happened.

“The situation is under control, and no life was lost. I am assuring Lagosians that there is no cause for alarm.”

The General Manager LASEMA, Dr. Femi Oke-Osayintolu said, “We are still running gas analysis and risk assessment of the area to ascertain where the gaseous substance came from. We have cordoned off the shopping arcade in the meantime while we continue with our investigations.