Kilmarnock school campus evacuated over chemical spill
Pupils at Park Primary, Annan Primary and Grange Academy in Kilmarnock have been evacuated.
It's following a report of a bottle, within the chemistry department at Grange Academy, being broken and liquid leaking onto the floor.
Due to a strong odour being released, pupils were evacuated as a precautionary measure. None of them have been affected by the odour.
The bottle was within a cupboard in the chemistry department and enquiries are ongoing to establish what the liquid is.
All three schools are being closed and parents are being asked, if possible, to collect children earlier than usual.
David Doran, Health and Safety Manager at East Ayrshire Council advised: “We can confirm that, following an incident in a science lab at Grange Academy, all three schools on the Grange Campus - Grange Academy, Annanhill Primary School and Park School – were evacuated at approximately 11:45 this afternoon, Thursday 17 December 2015.
“Emergency services were in attendance after the alarm had been raised when people complained of an unpleasant smell. The Campus was evacuated as a precautionary measure to allow investigations to take place.
“We understand that a 2.5 litre jar containing a mixture of chemicals was spilled in a drip tray the technician’s preparation room, next to the lab, causing the unpleasant fumes. The chemicals included Acetone, Acetone and Hexene, Hexene and Cyclo Hexene.
“14 people complained of breathing difficulties following the incident including 10 pupils and 4 adults. The pupils were treated at the scene by ambulance staff and did not require further assistance. Two teachers have been taken to hospital for further precautionary checks.
“The schools will remain closed for the rest of the day, but will reopen as normal tomorrow. Parents have been notified.”