2 Rushed To Hospital, School Evacuated After Berlin HS Science Mishap

BERLIN, CT — One student and one staff member at Berlin High School were rushed to the hospital late Wednesday morning after a science experiment went awry.

According to the Berlin Volunteer Fire Department, at about 10 a.m., units were called to BHS for "a reported gas leak."

When firefighters arrived, however, they determined it wasn't a gas leak, but, rather, a malfunctioning science experiment, and the school was evacuated immediately.

According to BVFD Chief Jonn Massirio, the science class experiment utilized nitric acid and copper pennies in a closed-loop system to produce nitrogen dioxide, a naturally occurring gas.

But, he said, in high concentrations, nitrogen dioxide can be a respiratory irritant and cause dizziness, or in extreme cases unconsciousness.

"The malfunction involved a tube within the system breaking, causing the gas to enter the atmosphere," wrote Massirio in a statement.

He said the BVFD entered and used mechanical ventilation to clear any of the remaining gas from the school.

"The experiment was removed to an exterior area to allow the reaction to subside naturally," Massirio said.

"Air quality was metered and deemed safe to allow the school to be re-occupied. CT DEEP responded to confirm fire department findings."

The BVFD said one student and one staff member were transported to area hospitals for further evaluation with complaints of dizziness and eye/throat irritation.

In addition, 14 students were evaluated on scene and released, with notifications made to the parents of those affected.