25 Kids Hospitalized, School Evacuated In Jersey City: Officials

Twenty-five third-graders at a New Jersey school were hospitalized this week after they were exposed to pepper spray, according to officials.

The students from Jersey City were exposed Wednesday after an 8-year-old girl who had a pepper spray container on her key chain inadvertently sprayed it, Public Safety Director James Shea and Chief Michael Kelly said during a news conference.

The School 15 students were sprayed in the gym, two parents told The Jersey Journal. At noon, some parents were waiting outside the school and others were at Jersey City Medical Center.

The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. and the school was evacuated, according to the Journal. Police tape blocking the entrances was removed at 12:15 p.m. and the students and staff were allowed back inside.

In all, 45 people were affected, according to PIX11. Of them, 25 children were transported to the hospital with complaints of burning eyes, chests and cheeks.

Emergency responders said the 8-year-old student was just curious about how to use the pepper spray device, as if it were a toy, according to PIX11. Police officials said they're considering charges against the girl's parents.