8 June 2004
Emergency at local school
Christchurch Police are assisting the staff of Parkview Primary School to try and establish how staff and pupils of the school became contaminated by chlorine gas.
The incident was attended by Emergency Services. Fire is lead agency. They have now left. (as at 12.30 hrs)
It is understood a chlorine based agent was placed into a school urinal. Subsequently the chlorine gas was released into the atmosphere.
I understand up to 17 pupils and 3 staff were affected and taken to Christchurch hospital.
Enquires are focusing on how the chlorine product made it's way into the urinal. Police will be investigating as initial inquiries show that the product is not used every day at the school.
Vivienne Allan, Christchurch Hospital, will put out a release when assessments of children and adults are completed.
Grant WORMALD, Detective Senior Sergeant
Papanui