Haz Mat Team Called to PG High School

By 250 News

Prince George, B.C. -  It was a frightening afternoon for 24 students and four staff members at Kelly Road Secondary School...

The Prince George Fire Department's Hazardous Material Unit and RCMP were called to the school, after a report of a potential bio-hazardous incident.

RCMP Constable Lesley Smith says the group was in a food sciences class when a food can exploded and splattered everyone with its contents.  She says staff were concerned the substance was possibly contaminated with the botulism bacteria.

Smith says, "Staff were concerned that the spoiled food could potentially cause a botulism outbreak and, therefore, the school was evacuated and the Hazardous Material Unit was called in to investigate."

The 28 people exposed to the potential contamination were quarantined, while members of the Haz Mat Team and an Environmental Health Officer with Northern Health investigated.  In the end, it was determined the can contained sauerkraut, which had been fermenting for a number of years.

Smith says, "Once it was determined that an outbreak of Botulism had not occurred, students returned to their classes, but were dismissed early from school."

She says police and fire crews were pleased with the quick response of staff at Kelly Road.  "Although the incident was not a hazardous situation, the reaction to a potential threat was handled appropriately and the proper steps were taken to ensure the safety of all students and staff members involved."

Email | Print | Facebook | Twitter | Digg | Del.icio.us