On Friday (19 February), students at the Zespół Szkół Ogólnokształcących i Zawodowych in Bolesławiec suddenly had to leave their school building. The reason? Gas was detected on the school premises. Some students complained of a burning sensation in their throats. The students moved to a nearby gymnasium.
Police officers and firefighters spoke with the students and determined that one of them had reportedly accidentally sprayed pepper spray. The emergency services were called to the scene: the fire service, an ambulance service (three ambulances arrived), and the police. Fortunately, no one was hurt. The ZSOiZ students did not return to class. Some went home, while others remained in the gymnasium.
Firefighters praised the school for its efficient evacuation operation.
– We received a report that there was a strange smell in the school. I decided that the students had to be evacuated immediately. First, from the place where the smell was strongest. Then the remaining students and school staff – says Laura Słocka-Przydróżna, headmistress of the Zespół Szkół Ogólnokształcących i Zawodowych im. mjra Henryka Sucharskiego in Bolesławiec. – The students felt irritation in their airways. But according to the doctors’ assessment, there was no danger to their lives.
– According to the information obtained from the headmistress, the students felt unwell and their eyes were watering – reports junior brigadier Piotr Pilarczyk, spokesperson for the KP PSP in Bolesławiec. – The police and firefighters determined that one of the students had probably accidentally sprayed pepper spray. The evacuation proceeded very efficiently. It was a very good solution to move students without jackets to the gymnasium in winter; it is 100 m from the building, so the students can shelter in a warm room and it is possible to check whether everyone has been evacuated. In this case, there was no major danger. However, the school staff should be praised for their preparation for the evacuation operation.