70 Students Sick, 17 Others Injured After “Chemical Explosion” at Penang Secondary School

According to Free Malaysia Today, 17 students reportedly suffered injuries after a suspected chemical leak at a secondary school in Bayan Lepas, Penang this morning (6th May). Meanwhile, 70 other students fell ill due to the vapours produced by this suspected leak.

Laporan Awal:

Satu letupan kecil menyebabkan kebocoran kimia di SMK Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang. Keadaan terkawal setakat ini. 17 org dilaporkan cedera, manakala 70 lagi cedera ringan. Kejadian disahkan Exco Phee Boon Poh. Menanti @bombaJBPM untuk perkembangan lanjut. @NewsMPB pic.twitter.com/PvOMSnGXxk

— Selwam Arjunan (@SelwamNewsMPB) May 6, 2019

While investigations are still underway, it is believed that the leak happened at one of the school’s science labs when a group of Form 4 students were experimenting on iodine. An investigating officer from the fire and rescue department was quoted as saying,

“Due to a lack of ventilation in the lab, about 20 students suffered from shortness of breath and non-stop coughing. As of now, 13 students are being given oxygen support by paramedics.”

Penang state Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh called the incident a “chemical explosion” after stating 70 people reportedly fell ill from the fumes that resulted from the chemical leak.

Source: the vocket

According to The Star, Phee Boon Poh added that not many details were available for now, but stated that chemical suits were needed to enter the school premises. He was quoted as saying,

“The situation is under control and further details will be made available later.”

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story. 

Also read: First Pasir Gudang, Now Klang River Found Contaminated With Unknown Chemicals