Richards Bay gas leak: 36 pupils discharged, community meeting called
Nearly all of the Richards Bay pupils who were taken to hospital following a suspected gas leak have been discharged from hospital.
The Department of Education in KwaZulu-Natal says 37 learners from Richards Bay High School had received treatment after collapsing, vomiting and having difficulty breathing on Monday morning.
It says only one schoolgirl remains in hospital.
The community of Arboretum and its surrounds will be meeting on Monday night about the leak.
READ: Suspected gas leak sees Richards Bay pupils rushed to hospital
The Richards Bay Clean Air Association says its Arboretum station has recorded sulphur dioxide levels that exceeded air quality limits.
It says it suspects the substance has emanated from a local fertiliser plant and has been in contact with its managers.
Residents in the area say they have experienced symptoms.
Resident Marlene Smith, who lives near the high school, says they noticed a pungent smell in the air on Sunday, with most of her family suffering headaches.
She says when they got up this morning, the situation had escalated rapidly.
READ: Probe into Richards Bay gas leak
"My son threw up three times this morning. We actually have two little ones in the house as well. The babies were also throwing up. When we woke up, the first thing I do is walk around the house, switch off all the lights and then I go outside immediately. It feels like there is something pressing on your chest."
This evening's meeting is expected to get underway in half an hour's time at Richards Bay High School.
Residents who've been affected have been encouraged to attend."
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