Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have contained a chemical spill at a school in Sydney's south, which caused 28 people to feel unwell this afternoon.
A 600 milliliter bottle of benzyl chloride, a chemical sometimes used to make dyes and pharmaceuticals, leaked in a science laboratory on Vine Street, near Kenwyn Street, Hurstville, around midday. It's understood that the chemical was in the process of being moved for disposal.
NSW Ambulance paramedics
NSW Ambulance paramedics are setting and monitoring 20 pupils and eight tutors as a precaution
A number of people in the immediate vicinity felt irritation and smelt strong fumes as a result of the incident. FRNSW was notified and quickly deployed 18 firefighters, including hazardous materials specialists, and five fire trucks to the scene.
NSW Ambulance paramedics are assessing and monitoring 20 students and eight teachers as a precaution; however, none have been transported to the hospital.
FRNSW crews
Other students at the school have been moved to a safe location and are being kept updated on the situation.
FRNSW crews are working to decontaminate the classroom and are using specialist equipment to conduct atmospheric monitoring.
