SOUTHLAND : 54 Hospitalized by School Fumes
Noxious fumes drifted across an elementary school campus in San Fernando today, sickening 54 people, mostly students, and causing evacuation of the school, authorities said.
The fumes initially affected 31 students and two teachers at O’Mellveny Elementary School at 728 W. Woodworth St. They complained of nausea and eye irritation, police and Los Angeles Fire Department officials said.
About 730 students and teachers at the school were evacuated to San Fernando High School, where at least eight more became ill. As a precaution, firefighters sent 54 to area hospitals. The Fire Department said gasoline illegally dumped into the sewer system probably caused the fumes.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
