Ten children hospitalised after inhaling 'pepper spray' at Durban school

30 January 2020 - 11:36 By NIVASHNI NAIR

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Ten children from a primary school in Hillcrest, west of Durban, were hospitalised on Thursday morning.
Image: Gallo Images/ IStock

Four children are in a serious condition after inhaling what's believed to be pepper spray at a primary school in Hillcrest, west of Durban, on Thursday.

KwaZulu-Natal Emergency Medical Services spokesperson Robert Mckenzie said altogether 10 children, aged between 10 and 12, were hospitalised.

“Ten children are receiving medical care for respiratory difficulties after inhaling a substance believed to be pepper spray at a school in Hillcrest.”

Paramedics have treated 10 pupils after they inhaled what is believed to be pepper spray at a school in Hillcrest
— KZN EMS (@KZN_EMS) January 30, 2020

“Paramedics from the KZN Emergency Medical Services responded to the school in Hillcrest and treated some of the learners at the school as well as at a nearby clinic before transporting 10 learners to hospital for continued medical care,” he said.

It is believed that the children were exposed to pepper spray brought to school by a pupil.