A heartfelt incident unfolded at Nansemond River High School in Virginia on Tuesday, leaving our community shaken and concerned. In an unfortunate mishap during a routine class change, a student accidentally dislodged a fire extinguisher in the hallway, releasing gas and chemicals, affecting the lives of our beloved students and faculty.
Sympathies Extended for Those Affected
Witnesses captured the distressing moment on video, showing the hallway engulfed in gas. As a consequence, twelve individuals, comprising eleven students and one faculty member, found themselves hospitalized for treatment. We extend our sympathies to all those affected by this unexpected and distressing event.
Response to Respiratory Problems
Suffolk Fire Chief Michael J. Barakey reported that up to 70 students experienced respiratory problems in the aftermath of the incident. Fortunately, all but one student returned to school the next day after receiving necessary medical attention. A parent, understandably concerned, opted to keep their child at home for the day.
Confusion and Concerns from Students and Parents
Sionney Knight, one of the students, shared her confusion during the incident, initially thinking it was a mishap in a cooking class. Sionney’s mother, Danielle Mosley, along with other parents, seeks a more detailed explanation of the incident. Teresa Walter expressed concern that school officials may have delayed notifying parents, leading to distressing moments for families.
While understanding the school’s intention to prioritize notifying parents of affected students first, Teresa Walter emphasized the emotional impact of seeing smoke-filled hallways and children rushing through, urging for more immediate communication.
Nature of the Chemical Powder
The dry chemical powder released during the incident, designed to suppress various types of fires, added to the chaos. The yellow-colored powder, containing monoammonium phosphate, raised further concerns among parents. The National Capital Poison Center provided insights into the nature of this substance.
Communication Efforts and Gratitude
In an effort to keep parents informed, a letter was sent to parents in coordination with school Principal Dr. Shawn Green’s statement. The incident triggered a Code Yellow emergency status, swiftly contained by the school staff. The letter expressed gratitude to the dedicated staff and emergency personnel who responded promptly to ensure the safety of our students and faculty.
Thoughts and Appreciation
In these challenging times, our thoughts are with the affected students and their families. We appreciate the tireless efforts of the school staff and emergency responders in managing this incident with diligence and care.