Teenagers injured

Acid leak in school: fire department operation in Lower Austria

Symbolic image.

(Bild: Mathis Fotografie)

Two classes at the Neunkirchen vocational school in Lower Austria were evacuated on Wednesday morning due to an acid leak. The fire department was called out to deal with a hazardous substance. Seven pupils suffered minor injuries and two were taken to hospital. 

According to police spokesman Johann Baumschlager, a "foul-smelling cloud" was created when nitric acid was mixed with alcohol and smoke was released. Those present immediately left the affected room.

Acid neutralized and transported outside
One class on the upper floor was rescued using a cherry picker. The fire department reported that specialists from the Neunkirchen hazardous substances group and a decontamination unit from the Aspang fire department were alerted. The acid was then neutralized and transported outside - the building was thoroughly ventilated.

Suspected respiratory tract irritation
Several pupils were suspected of suffering from respiratory tract irritation, which is why two of them were taken to Wiener Neustadt Hospital. A total of seven pupils were slightly injured, according to Sonja Kellner, spokesperson for the Red Cross in Lower Austria.

Nitric acid is corrosive. If inhaled, vapors can lead to bronchitis and pneumonia and corrode the alveoli. Most recently, picric acid was found in schools and a pharmacy in Lower Austria and Tyrol. In October, for example, the HTL Mödling had to be evacuated, but fortunately no one was injured.