Manchester High School Science Wing Cleared After Chemistry Lab Spill

A student accidentally dropped a beaker of chemicals in a chemistry lab classroom at Manchester High School on Monday afternoon, resulting in the clearing of the science wing while hazmat crews cleaned up the spill, police said.

School administrators called police about 1:20 p.m. to report the spill, which occurred when the student dropped the 500-milliliter beaker on the floor and it shattered, Capt. Todd Malland of the Manchester Police Department said.

The beaker contained manganese (11) sulfate solution, silver nitrate solution 0.2l, lead nitrate solution, nickel sulfate, and cobalt chloride aqueous solution, 2.5 percent, school officials told police.

Police evacuated the science wing while members of the Berkeley Township HazMat Response Team decontaminated the scene, Malland said.

The teacher and five students who were in the room at the time did not report any injuries at the time of the spill, he said.

The Manchester Investigations Bureau, Manchester Office of Emergency Management, Manchester Fire Department and Manchester First Aid Squad also responded, he said.

(Photo courtesy Manchester Township Police)