Twenty Hove school students taken to hospital after chemical leak

A science teacher at a Hove school and 21 pupils have been taken to hospital for checks after breathing in fumes from a chemical spill this morning (Friday 20 September).

The incident, believed to have involved sulphuric acid, happened during a year 7 science lesson at Cardinal Newman Catholic School in The Upper Drive in Hove shortly before 10am.

The road was closed while Sussex Police, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and the South East Coast Ambulance Service dealt with the incident.

A school spokesman said: “An incident occurred in a school science lab earlier this morning that caused a number of children to report feeling unwell.

“Ambulances have attended and have seen 32 children. The symptoms are very low level and the ambulance service has not reported any serious concerns.

“Twenty one pupils along with the teacher and teaching assistant were taken to hospital as a precaution.

“Text messages have been sent to all parents to inform them of the incident and the way it is being handled.

“The situation is under control and the rest of the school is carrying on as normal. There is no residual risk in the room.

“The cause of the incident is being investigated in conjunction with the council’s health and safety team.

“First indications are that it might have been caused by a chemical spillage.

The Health and Safety Executive has been informed.

Sussex Police said earlier: “Students are reported to be suffering from the effects of being exposed to chemical fumes.

“It is not believed that anyone has been seriously injured but a number of ambulances are attending the school to deal with those affected.

“They are being transported to hospital for checks but it is not thought that any are seriously affected.

“Parents of any child affected are being contacted by the school.

“East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service advise that the situation is under control and there is no further risk to anyone at the school or the surrounding community.

“There is some traffic disruption in the area as roads are cleared or closed to allow emergency vehicles to attend the scene.”

The school said on its website: “There has been a minor incident at the school this morning.

“The emergency services are supporting the school in managing the situation.

“We would like to confirm that all students and staff are safe and well.”

Pupils are reported to have suffered itchy or stinging eyes, sore throats and some breathing difficulties.

The fire service has ventilated the science lab.