PORTLAND, Ore. - Emergency crews responded to David Douglas High School Friday morning after there was a small explosion resulting in a sudden release of gas in one of the science rooms.
The school, located at 1001 S.E. 135th Avenue, was not evacuated but 11 students and one adult were transported to local hospitals. Most were complaining of upper respiratory distress. There were 25 students and one teacher in the classroom.
Early on, the David Douglas School District reported that a student had poured a sodium compound into a drain and when it mixed with water there was a release of gas.
The student in question, Taye Baker, talked to us by phone from the hospital and had a slightly different account of what happened. He said he noticed a glass beaker in a sink when he stopped to get a drink of water as he walked into class. Then, when he later went back to get another drink, that's when the substance in the beaker exploded. Baker said yellow and white dust went everywhere and there were shards of burning glass.
The gas was contained to the room and did not spread to any other part of the school. A dozen classrooms in the science wing were evacuated but the rest of the school remained open.
"This emergency evacuation took place quickly and efficiently thanks to David Douglas High School's advanced planning and preparation for such an event," Portland Fire & Rescue Deputy Chief Duane Bray said in a news release.
According to Portland Fire & Rescue, both the classroom and the clothing that the 11 students affected were wearing tested positive for high concentrations of pH. Firefighters used the school's showers to decontaminate the students and they outfitted them with Tyvek suits before sending them to the hospital.
In light of what happened, Portland Fire & Rescue issued the following safety reminder:
This incident is an important reminder to all teachers and students that science labs are places of tremendous excitement and learning, but it is important to stay safe and alert at all times. Students should listen carefully to their teacher at all times when working with dangerous materials. Injury or accident could easily occur if directions are not carefully followed. Specifically, students are urged to:
- Familiarize yourself with the location of any and all safety equipment which may be available, including the fire extinguisher and the eyewash station.
- If you have access to an emergency shower, know where this is located.
- Know where the exits to the room are found and follow evacuation procedures quickly and quietly if needed.
- Check your equipment for breakage. If you find a crack in a glass beaker or other container, inform your instructor and dispose of the glass in the proper location.
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