A chemical leak at a Coachella school Wednesday sickened more than a dozen students, who were taken to a regional trauma center for further assessment and treatment.
The exposure threat was reported at 11:15 a.m. in Bobby Duke Middle School at 85358 Bagdad Ave., according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
The agency said multiple engine crews were sent to the location and encountered 19 youths in need of medical attention due to the noxious odor.
A total of 24 classrooms were impacted by the leak, which prompted an evacuation of the campus.
Officials said 18 students were taken to hospitals for treatment of “minor complaints.”
Personnel from the fire department’s hazardous materials unit attempted to identify the source of the trouble, but “were unable to detect any leaks,” the agency said.
Technicians from Southwest Gas were summoned to investigate further.
Firefighters cleared the scene shortly before 3 p.m.