Three Hospitalized After Hazardous Gas Incident at Coleraine Grammar School
Three staff members have been hospitalized following a serious chemical incident at Coleraine Grammar School in Northern Ireland. The event occurred on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, when hazardous gases were unexpectedly released within a confined area of the school building.
Emergency Response and School Statement
Emergency services were swiftly alerted to the situation at approximately 4:12 PM local time. The school's headmaster, Dr. David Carruthers, confirmed that no pupils were present on the premises due to the ongoing Easter holiday period, which prevented potential further casualties.
In an official statement, Dr. Carruthers detailed: "There has been a chemical incident at Coleraine Grammar School which resulted in hazardous gases being released in a confined area. No pupils were on site due to the Easter holiday and three members of staff were advised to attend hospital."
He further assured that "the ambulance, fire and police services attended and the situation is fully under control. The school is working proactively with the emergency services to ensure a full clean-up takes place as soon as possible."
Large-Scale Emergency Deployment
The response involved a significant mobilization of emergency resources:
- Six fire appliances were dispatched to the scene.
- Five ambulances arrived alongside specialized hazardous area response teams.
- Firefighters utilized breathing apparatus, hose reel jets, and gas monitoring equipment to safely resolve the incident.
A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service reported receiving a 999 call at 16:15. The service deployed:
- A Rapid Response Paramedic
- Three Emergency Crews
- One Advanced Paramedic
- One HART Crew
- One HART Officer
- Two Ambulance Officers
Following on-site assessment and initial treatment, all three patients were transported to Causeway Hospital for further medical care. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that firefighters began departing the scene from 7:50 PM, leaving the casualties in the care of ambulance personnel.
Ongoing Investigation and Clean-Up
Authorities are currently investigating the exact cause of the gas release, with the school collaborating closely with emergency services to facilitate a thorough clean-up operation. The incident highlights critical safety protocols in educational environments, especially during holiday periods when reduced staffing may affect response capabilities.
Local residents have expressed concern, but officials emphasize that the situation is contained and poses no ongoing threat to the surrounding community. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses and the clean-up concludes.
