Gas leak at Ogun School hospitalises 30 students, teacher

No fewer than 30 students and a teacher were hospitalised following a gas leak at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, on Wednesday.

The incident reportedly occurred shortly after the school assembly, triggering panic as a gaseous substance spread across the school premises, leaving students and staff struggling to breathe. Several students collapsed, prompting an emergency response.

The affected individuals were immediately rushed to the General Hospital, Ijebu Ode, for treatment. While early speculation suggested a nearby gas explosion or chemical mishap in the school laboratory, the Vice Principal (Junior School), Adeola Borogun, clarified that the incident involved a strange chemical smell rather than an explosion. She said the gas caused vomiting and fainting among students, necessitating ambulances.

Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, described the situation as a gas leak, ruling out industrial pollution or an explosion. “We are bringing a gas analyser to identify the type of gas and the concentration zone,” he said, adding that the 30 students and one teacher are in stable condition.

Confirming the development, the Chief Medical Director of General Hospital, Ijebu Ode, Banjo Adeoye, said most patients were stable, though the exact substance responsible was yet to be identified. Meanwhile, the Chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government, Dare Alebiosu, assured that no lives were lost and all affected students were responding to treatment.

Authorities are now investigating the source of the gas to prevent future occurrences.