14 children hospitalized after feeling sick from ingesting an 'unknown substance' on school bus
QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA: Altogether 14 children were hospitalized after eating an "unknown substance." There were 22 children, between the ages of eight and 12, who reportedly complained that they felt sick on arriving at Bluewater State School in Townsville on Thursday, March 9.
Police and the education officials are now investigating to find out if they had ingested some kind of a chemical, which was in lollipops allegedly handed to them by the bus driver. Medical personnel examined 16 children with similar symptoms, such as nausea, abdominal pain, and lightheadedness. Their condition is, thankfully, not life-theatening.
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Children started feeling sick 10-15 minutes after taking the substance
"Early information indicates all the children were all on the same morning bus," Senior Sergeant Jonathan Searle said, as per 7News. He claimed that 10 to 15 minutes after taking the substance, students started to feel nauseous. "In my 18 years of service, this is the first time I’ve ever been involved in or heard of an incident of this nature. We’ll make sure it’s a thorough investigation," Searle said.
"A lot them were saying, in children’s words, they’re crook in the tummy, they feel like they’re going to vomit and feeling a little dizzy," Queensland Ambulance Service supervisor David Wright said. He added that they continued to undergo testing and their vitals were normal. He refused to make any assumptions about the chemical the children consumed or the source of its supply.
"Obviously for children it could be quite daunting, but they’re all mild symptoms at this moment," Wright said, adding, "They’re all doing the best they can." The students are now in stable condition with medics monitoring their vitals. They are under observation while toxicology tests were being conducted.
Statement by Bluewater State School
Bluewater State School released a statement on Facebook that said, "Bluewater State School holds the safety of students and staff as its highest priority. The department is aware of an incident that occurred today at Bluewater State School which required the assistance of emergency services. School staff acted quickly to attend to the students while the Queensland Ambulance Service and parents were contacted. The Queensland Police Service also attended and are investigating. Due to privacy issues the department is unable to provide any further information. Guidance or counselling services are being made available for anyone who may require support."