A 15-year-old student at Benson Polytechnic High School in Portland, Oregon, was hospitalized in critical condition Tuesday morning after allegedly inhaling toxic fumes from chemicals he brought from home.
School employees, including the school nurse, initiated lifesaving efforts after the student became ill in the cafeteria. Emergency crews arrived around 8:30 a.m. and took over care. The student, who has not been publicly identified, was transported to Legacy Emanuel Hospital.
According to Portland Fire & Rescue, officials initially suspected a chemical spill. A spokesperson stated that two unlabeled gallon jugs of chemicals were mixed on the cafeteria floor, causing the student to become sick. While it was initially thought the student may have ingested the mixture, authorities later clarified he inhaled the fumes.
Students reported smelling a chemical odor, described by one as a "methane-type, sulfuric smell." Alarms sounded, and students were initially told to contact their parents. Approximately 15 minutes later, an evacuation order was issued.
Students were evacuated to Buckman Field Park and were sent home for the remainder of the day. A hazardous materials team responded to the scene to neutralize the liquid on the floor and prevent further off-gassing.
Kimberlee Armstrong, superintendent of Portland Public Schools, described the incident as "devastating, stressful and scary." School administrators cooperated with emergency responders and police. A social media post related to the event is being analyzed as part of the investigation. Classes were canceled for Wednesday but were scheduled to resume Thursday.
Portland Police spokesperson Mike Benner confirmed on Wednesday that the student was "still alive and critical condition at the hospital" and is expected to survive. The student was reportedly surrounded by family at the hospital.