Gas leak at Hardoi school leaves 16 students ill, one critical

Panic spread at a school in Hardoi on Thursday morning after a suspected gas leak left 16 students ill, several of whom collapsed or complained of coughing and vomiting.

One child is said to be critical, sources said.
The incident occurred around 10 am on the second floor of the three-storey Lions Public School, where the science laboratory is located.

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As soon as the smell of gas spread, students rushed out of their classrooms in fear. Teachers and senior students carried unconscious children to safety and transported them to RB Hospital using school vehicles.

The sudden influx of students created chaos at the hospital, though doctors are currently treating all affected children. While most students are reported to be stable, one girl in critical condition has been referred to KGMU, Lucknow.

EDM authorities have ordered an investigation. Police and administrative officials reached the school to determine the exact cause of the leak. Initial findings suggest that the gas or chemical leaked from the school’s laboratory.

Lions Public School, which has around 1,000 students, is owned by the late Achan Singh, a former GM of a spinning mill. The school is currently managed by his wife.

Students reported that classes began at 8:30 a.m., and the gas leak occurred about an hour and a half later. Four students from Class 12 were the first to faint, followed by students from the first floor soon after.

School Coordinator Apoorva Bhadauria said she was teaching a Class 12 session when a student informed her that he was experiencing severe coughing. “I opened the classroom door and saw students from Class 9 running out. We immediately shifted all students to the ground,” she said.

Parents, however, accused the school management of negligence. Some claimed students were not evacuated quickly enough, despite many showing alarming symptoms. One parent alleged that bodies are cremated behind the school and said authorities have ignored repeated complaints.

District Magistrate Anunay Jha confirmed that 16 students had fallen ill due to gas exposure. “Fifteen are stable. One student has been referred to KGMU due to her critical condition. A thorough inspection will be carried out at the school, and necessary action will follow,” he said.

An investigation is ongoing to identify the source and nature of the gas leak.