A 15-year-old student remains in critical condition after inhaling and ingesting a toxic chemical mixture at Benson Polytechnic High School
A 15-year-old boy is currently in critical condition at a local hospital after inhaling and ingesting a toxic mixture of chemicals at Benson Polytechnic High School on Tuesday morning. The student brought the chemicals from home and mixed them in the school cafeteria, causing a spill that prompted an immediate evacuation of the building. First responders arrived at approximately 8:30 a.m. and found school staff, including a nurse, performing CPR and life-saving measures on the student. Portland Fire & Rescue crews, wearing respiratory devices and hazmat suits, moved the student outside to perform medical interventions before transporting him to the hospital. A hazardous materials team subsequently neutralized the liquid on the cafeteria floor to eliminate off-gassing and health concerns. Portland Public Schools Superintendent Kimberlee Armstrong stated that classes were canceled through Wednesday. The school is expected to resume normal operations on Thursday. As students return, the district's Trauma Intervention Program will offer voluntary emotional check-ins. Portland Police Chief Bob Day and other officials are investigating the student's intent and the specific contents of the chemical mixture, which is believed to be made from common household products.
Sources
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Student involved in chemical spill at Benson High School expected to survive, police say
Oregon Public Broadcasting - OPB
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Portland high school evacuated after student ingests toxic homemade chemical mixture
KPTV
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Police: Student in critical condition after ingesting chemicals at Benson HS in Portland
katu.com