At least 17 students at Government Nursing School in Abbottabad fainted during a class after inhaling an unknown discharge from Sui gas supply. Five students remain critically ill while the rest have stabilized.
The incident occurred during a routine class when a strong, noxious odour spread rapidly through the classroom. Students suffered severe nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and difficulty breathing before collapsing. Emergency services were promptly called to Ayub Medical Complex, which dispatched ambulances and medical personnel to the school for immediate treatment.
According to hospital authorities, all 17 students have been admitted for emergency care. One student was transferred to the ICU, two to CCU, one to Medical Ward C, and thirteen remain under observation.
Dr Saqib Malik, Hospital Director Dr Dawood Iqbal, and Dr Goharur Rehman stated that students lost consciousness following exposure to a chemical in the gas supply. However, Sui Gas authorities informed hospital officials they had only injected a routine odourant, which was inconsistent with severe symptoms.
Sui Gas Department spokesperson Sajjad Ahmed clarified the internal leakage occurred exclusively within the classroom and not elsewhere. He claimed no other complaints from users have been reported. Ahmed stated that senior management has visited the site to investigate any external leaks due to contaminated water near a waste drain area adjacent to the hostel building.
All affected students are recovering, with ongoing checks ensuring no further gas leaks. Investigations continue to identify the exact cause of the incident.