AS a pungent chemical smell spread through Umbilo Secondary School on March 12, Grade 10 learner Isaiah Titus began experiencing troubling symptoms, from aching ribs, ears that felt like they were stuffed with cotton wool, and a strange blood taste in his mouth whenever he coughed.

The pervasive fumes left numerous learners and teachers feeling unwell, many struggling with breathing difficulties.

Also read: eThekwini Municipality launch probe into Wentworth gas leak

Justin Titus, Isaiah’s father, said a normal school day turned into a harrowing ordeal that pushed him to question the adequacy of safety measures in schools positioned so close to industrial zones.

Fearing the worst for his child, especially since he is currently out of the province for work, Titus’s heart sank,

“I attempted to contact the school, but the lines were unreachable amid the unfolding emergency. The lack of communication only intensified my anxiety,” said Titus.

Claudine Bernon, who serves as the chairperson for the school governing body, confirmed that several learners and staff had developed serious respiratory issues early that morning.

“Following the onset of symptoms, emergency services were called and the school was evacuated to ensure the safety of all learners and staff. Initially between six and eight patients required medical attention and were transported to medical facilities for stabilisation,” she said.

A source close to the SUN confirmed that more than 36 learners required some form of medical attention, with several still visiting the hospital following the incident.

Medical intervention

Initially, the family was relieved that their son was not affected. But, by the following morning, his health had deteriorated. “He complained of a sore throat, itchy eyes and lumps appearing on his body. Speaking was painful for him,” said Titus.

Also read: Wentworth gas leak: More than 36 learners treated

Isaiah was immediately taken to Medi Clinic, from which he was later admitted to St Augustine’s Hospital for further testing. He was discharged the next day.

Concerns for learner safety

“I am relieved that my son is okay, but I am upset about a number of events that took place that day. There has obviously been an oversight from the Department of Education regarding emergency situations. The teachers did what they thought was right and therefore I cannot blame them. The scene has been described to me as chaos. Children were released to go home without being medically checked. No emergency register was in place so by the time the children were released, there was no certainty that all the children were accounted for,” said Titus.

Titus pointed out that there are schools situated close to industrial sites where hazardous chemicals are handled regularly. “These schools are not equipped with early warning systems for toxic leaks,” he said.

As investigations into the incident continues, Titus remains determined to see accountability and meaningful change.

eThekwini launch investigation

In response to the incident, the eThekwini Municipality launched an urgent investigation. Fire and Environmental Health officials were on site methodically examining the potential source of the odour.

“The odour was traced by monitoring wind direction and conducting perimeter checks around the school. Officials identified a company located in the vicinity where a container cleaning operation involving ethyl acrylate was underway. Fumes from the operation are alleged to have drifted towards the school under windy conditions,” read a statement from the municipality.

Sibusiso Mkhulisi, the City’s Fire Regional Commander, said, “We are conducting a full probe into the company’s practices and if non-compliance is confirmed, we will act decisively with stricter legal measures. Classes have since resumed following safety checks that confirmed the odour had dissipated.”

The incident has reignited concerns about the risks inherent in having schools located so closely to industrial operations. It also spotlights the urgent need for preventive strategies that ensure the safety of learners and school staff before another crisis unfolds.

For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox.