Delhi: 24 Students Hospitalised Due to 'Gas Leak' Near School in Naraina; Railways Reacts

Twenty-four students of a municipal school in Delhi’s Naraina area were hospitalised on Friday following an alleged “gas leak” incident nearby. It was earlier reported that the gas was leaked from nearby railway tracks, however, the Indian Railways have refuted the claim, stating that “no such report of leakage of gases has been reported from any stations during the time of incidence”.

Issuing a statement, the Railways said, “Railway Wagons never transport any toxic gases which may pose any health hazard. Moreover, no such report of leakage of gases has been reported from any stations and there was no movement of any trains having gaseous contents passing in the area indicated during the time of incidence. Therefore, Railways denies the news of leakage of any gas from Railway Wagons.”

Meanwhile, Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi said that all the children, who were admitted to the hospitals, are fine now.

Soon after the incident was reported, fire tenders were sent to the site to control the situation.

As many as 15 students were admitted to the RML Hospital while nine students at Acharya Bhikshuk Hospital. Two students were placed on oxygen support. A team of doctors from the MCDs Health department and officials of the education department were also present at the hospitals to monitor the situation.

Reacting to the situation when it was reported, Oberoi had said, “Instructions have been given for a comprehensive investigation on why the gas leakage happened and from where.”

According to police, they received a call regarding some students falling sick and vomiting at Nigam Pratibha Vidyalaya in Inderpuri. “As per information available so far, 23 children have been sent to hospital and regular updates are being obtained from hospitals. As per the latest update, all of them are feeling fine,” Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Vichitra Veer said.

According to initial assessment, a foul smell filled some classrooms, which made the children feel sick. Apparently, the children had just eaten. The smell has subsided, but as a precaution, all classrooms have been vacated, the DCP said.

“Further examination of the premises is being done to ascertain the source of the smell. There is a railway track nearby. However, it is yet to be ascertained where the smell was emanating from,” Veer said.

AAP MCD in-charge Durgesh Pathak had earlier in the day, “Preliminary examination by doctors has ruled out the possibility of food poisoning… Investigation is underway to ascertain where this gas came from since there was nothing in school that could have led to it. People are saying a train was passing by and possibly this gas came from there. An MCD team is probing it. We have spoken to doctors. The children will be discharged by 6 pm.”

In 2017, a chemical leak from the Tughlakabad container depot had affected over 450 girl students, a few teachers and some residents.

(with inputs from PTI)