Bilston Schools Remain Closed Following Mysterious Odour Incident
Two primary schools in Bilston will remain closed on Wednesday after a strong odour emanating from near a swimming pool area caused multiple individuals to suffer unexplained symptoms, prompting an emergency evacuation. The incident at Green Park School on Tuesday afternoon led to a significant response from emergency services, with ten people assessed by paramedics and one transported to hospital for further checks.
Emergency Response and Evacuation
West Midlands Fire Service dispatched three crews to the scene on Green Park Avenue shortly after 12:15pm on Tuesday, January 20th, following reports of people displaying concerning symptoms. Although their monitoring equipment detected nothing of concern, the presence of a potent smell led to the precautionary evacuation of part of the school building. Those affected were allowed to re-enter a short time later once initial assessments were complete.
West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed their attendance with one ambulance, two paramedic officers, and the specialist Hazardous Area Response Team (HART). A spokesperson stated: "We assessed ten patients at the scene, one of whom was conveyed to New Cross Hospital for further assessment. The further nine patients received self-care advice before being discharged at the scene."
School Statements and Ongoing Investigation
A spokesperson for Green Park School released a detailed statement explaining the closure. "Green Park School was closed to pupils and staff this morning following the detection of an unusual odour in the vicinity of the swimming pool," they said. "Staff responded promptly with the health and wellbeing of children and staff the school's top priority. As a precaution, paramedics were called to assess a small number of individuals who reported feeling nauseous."
The school emphasised that no serious concerns were identified and expressed gratitude to the emergency services. An investigation is now underway to determine the source of the odour, which is currently believed to be linked to a mechanical issue rather than a chemical incident. The statement confirmed that both Green Park School and the neighbouring Stowlawn Primary School, which shares the site, will remain closed on Wednesday while checks are carried out by school and council staff.
Council Involvement and Community Impact
City of Wolverhampton Council also issued a statement, noting that representatives from their emergency planning, health and safety, and city assets teams attended the scene to provide support. The council reiterated that the closure of both schools was a precautionary measure and that families would be updated on reopening plans once the issue is fully resolved.
The incident has caused significant disruption for the school community, with parents and guardians awaiting further communication. The schools have thanked the community for their support and understanding during what they described as "unprecedented circumstances," while also urging people not to share misinformation.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of the school environment before pupils and staff can return. The swift response from all emergency services has been highlighted as a key factor in managing the situation effectively, with no serious injuries reported despite the alarming nature of the initial reports.
