Students, driver treated after exposure to fumes on bus
Two high school students mixed rubbing alcohol and swimming pool chemicals in an attempt to create a small explosion during their morning bus ride. Students on the bus and the driver were treated for nausea, skin and eye irritation, and respiratory problems, officials say.
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Last week, 30 students and a school bus driver were taken to a hospital after two high school students mixed rubbing alcohol and swimming pool chemicals on the bus during their morning ride, the Herald-Leaderreports.
The source of fumes was discovered when the driver smelled something unusual, stopped the bus and evacuated the students. Initially, seven students reported respiratory problems, but hospital officials chose to see all students from the bus for safety's sake.
In addition to the 30 students, doctors treated two bus drivers, four parents and a nurse from the hospital who first came into contact with the students, according to the Herald-Leader. Most of those seen at the hospital were treated for nausea, skin irritation and eye irritation.
Students' belongings, such as clothing and backpacks, were decontaminated in a special shower. The bus was taken to the bus garage, where a hazardous materials team from Pulaski County decontaminated it.
The boys, ages 14 and 16, said they were trying to pull a prank they had seen online in which they would toss the materials outside the bus and create a small explosion. They were charged with wanton endangerment and possession of an explosive device.
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