9 Students Taken to Hospital after School Evacuation

North Stafford, Va. — A chemistry experiment gone wrong forced he evacuation of North Stafford High School this morning.

Nine students at the school were taken to a local hospital after gas-like odor permeated through the building’s air ducts. Eight of the nine students exhibited signs of nausea and a ninth student had an unrelated medical emergency while rescue crews were on scene, said Stafford fire and rescue spokesman Mark Doyle.

All of the students who were taken to a hospital are expected to recover, he added.

The school was evacuated just after 11 a.m., and the source of the odor was a chemistry lab inside the building, said Stafford schools spokeswoman Valerie Cottongim.

Stafford fire and rescue gave the all clear at the building and allowed students, faculty and staff to reenter the building, said Cottongim.

The school posted the following message on their website:

This morning, we evacuated North Stafford High School due to the fumes from a science experiment that had begun to spread throughout the building. Stafford County Fire and Rescue and Sheriffs’ Department responded immediately to the building to check the air quality. The Stafford County Rescue Squad also arrived for support. At 11:05, all students evacuated to the stadium where bathroom facilities were available. At 11:37, it was determined that the building was clear for re- entry. We resumed a two-hour delayed opening schedule to allow all students to attend classes and have the opportunity to eat lunch. Seven students from the science classroom were transported to Stafford Hospital due to possible exposure to fumes. Parents of those students were notified. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mr. Nichols, Principal of North Stafford High School, at 658-6150.

Nearly 1,700 students attend North Stafford High School.