Probe into Richards Bay gas leak

Paramedics raced to Richards Bay High School in Arboretum on Monday morning after receiving reports that pupils were collapsing and having trouble breathing.

Some were experiencing nausea and vomiting.

Provincial education spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi says their officials are currently at the school.

"Thirty-one learners have been taken to hospitals by ambulances due to gas leakage in the area. It is a matter that we are following up as the department and working with environmental colleagues, all stakeholders involved because this is not only affect our learners but will also affect the communities." 

READ: Suspected gas leak sees Richards Bay pupils rushed to hospital

Ward 3 councillor Henning De Wet says some residents in the Arboretum area have also been affected.

He says while they still don't know what the substance that's in the air is, they suspect it's leaking from a local fertiliser plant.

"There has been quite a number of complaints within these suburbs as well, myself included where we are sitting with extreme headaches and pains in our chests and throats. 

"Foskor which is one of the industrial areas here, they have had an emergency meeting this morning. I am not sure at this point in time if the problem came from them, that is just alleged at this moment. 

"The clean air association together with the Umhlathuze Air Quality Unit will be investigating this matter. So we are still waiting for feedback from them."