Suspicion of toxic fumes at a school in Imola

In Imola, in the province of Bologna, Italy, the building housing a middle school was evacuated after approximately thirty individuals, including students and teaching staff, complained of respiratory symptoms on the ground and basement floors of the building. The Fire Department, with the CBRN unit specialising in detecting toxic substances, swiftly arrived at the scene and examined the heating and ventilation systems. The Carabinieri and health workers were also present at the scene. Several dozen people were conveyed to the hospital emergency room for the requisite medical assessments. None of the conditions were found to be life-threatening, and they were subsequently discharged. The underlying causes of the incident are still being evaluated; however, there are no indications of fire or combustion within the building. No hazardous chemical elements were also found in the heating and ventilation systems. The fire brigade’s investigations are still underway. Among the hypotheses examined is the use of pepper spray.