Gas leak at St George State School hospitalises sixteen students, two adults

Queensland Health has released more details about a major gas leak at a south west school which affected 32 students and teachers. Here’s the latest.

QAS paramedics treated multiple patients after gas leak at St George State School, February 21, 2023.

Sixteen primary school students and two adults were hospitalised with minor injuries after a gas leak at St George State School on Tuesday February 21.

A South West Hospital and Health Service spokesman said 32 people were reviewed on site at the school by paramedics and a team of two doctors and four nurses was sent from St George Hospital to support the paramedics.

“A total of 18 people – two adults and 16 children – not 14 as indicated in most media reports were then transported to St George Hospital for further review and observation,” he said.

He confirmed all 18 people were discharged the same day and none were hospitalised overnight.

An Education Queensland spokeswoman said the incident had been reviewed and repairs were underway.

“The block has been inspected by a licenced plumber who has isolated the building’s hot water system before repairs can be completed,” she said.

“Classes resumed as normal as soon as the all clear was given.

“Guidance Officer support is available at the school for any students that may require it.”

Queensland Ambulance Service senior operations supervisor John Nolan said on Tuesday that paramedics were called to the Grey St school about 9am after gas leaked from cylinders stored beside the administration building.

“(They) were transported all with very minor symptoms that ranged from abdominal pain, nausea, minor respiratory symptoms and headaches.”

Mr Nolan said the high number of casualties was a challenge for the two paramedics based at the St George station.

“The crew did a really good job by initiating the medical response from St George hospital, then we had crews come down from Surat and I came down from Roma,” he said.