The school year began at Benson Polytechnic High School with an unfortunate, very frightening incident that could have ended tragically. An unnamed male student, age 15, at the school in Portland, Oregon, allegedly inhaled toxic chemicals. The incident took place while the school was in session, per People.
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The Portland Police Bureau Issued a News Release
Police issued a news release about the situation that was updated on Wednesday, September 9. Evidently, the student combined chemicals and inhaled them. Therefore, it was thought at first that he perhaps drank them. He initially got "life-saving care from school staff," then was taken to a hospital in critical condition. However, the student is expected to recover.
It appears that an exhaustive investigation is underway. In fact, the gravity of what happened warrants that. The release states, "Detectives have been working to determine exactly what happened, where the chemicals came from, and what led the student to bring them to school. The investigation has included numerous interviews, follow-up on tips, review of surveillance footage and social media accounts, execution of search warrants and seizure of electronic devices."
How the Situation Occurred
On the morning of Tuesday, September 8, in the school cafeteria, a student was "experiencing a medical emergency," per the release. Right now, it is believed that "Based on the preliminary investigation, authorities believe the student mixed numerous chemicals that he brought to the school from home and subsequently ingested the mixture. The exact nature of the substances involved remains under investigation."
Steps Were Taken To Ensure Everyone's Safety
To protect all the people in the school building, it was evacuated. Students went outdoors to the athletic fields and were met with their families. No one else was taken to the hospital, although two staff members transported themselves "out of an abundance of caution."
The other agency involved responding to the incident was Portland Fire and Rescue.
The Portland School Superintendent Spoke at a Press Conference
Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong, superintendent of the Portland (Oregon) Public Schools, spoke at a press conference after the incident. She said in part, "I want students to know that their safety is always our highest priority and the way they handled themselves was remarkable. The hazardous material was cleaned up and the air was tested to ensure it was safe."
