Students, Staff Released from Hospital After Chlorine Spill Check-Up

With the spill cleaned up, Peekskill city schools superintendent Larry Licopoli gave parents and district residents a summary of what happened today when a truck leaked chlorine at the middle school.

Chlorine bleach spilled from a valve on a Slack Chemical Co. truck which had been delivering the disinfectant to Peekskill Middle School for its pool, he said in a letter posted on the district website.

School officials immediately called the Peekskill Fire Department and were advised to evacuate. According to the district’s emergency protocols, people who have inhaled bleach are to be moved to fresh air, he said. They worked out a safe route and students and staff walked over to Peekskill High School.

In addition, 19 students and five staff members complained of headaches or nausea. They were immediately taken to New York Presbyterian-Hudson Valley Hospital. All have been released.

“School administrators acted appropriately by immediately taking those exposed to the hospital for further evaluation,” he said Westchester County Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler told him.

District officials advise parents and guardians of city students to seek immediate medical attention of the child complains of irritated eyes, nose or throat; coughing, wheezing or breathlessness; or chest pain.

Tonight’s dance at the middle school is cancelled. Staff and students were allowed back into school as of 3 p.m. to pick up belongings and school work. 

Tomorrow’s Saturday Academy will take place as scheduled.

Licopoli thanked the emergency responders and the hospital staff for their fast work and excellent care.