Students, driver exposed to unknown chemical or substance on Lancaster SC school bus
Law enforcement in South Carolina is investigating after more than 40 students and a school bus driver in Lancaster County were potentially exposed to an unknown chemical or substance Wednesday, officials said.
Several people exhibited symptoms of exposure Wednesday afternoon, including a 14-year-old student who lost consciousness and an EMS worker who responded to the incident at Indian Land High School, said Lancaster County Sheriff Barry Faile in a statement.
Authorities say they don’t know what chemical or substance was involved in the incident, Faile said. They did not describe the symptoms experienced by the students and the EMS responder.
“A full investigation is being conducted to identify the substance that caused the exposure and its source, “ Faile said Wednesday night.
The Lancaster County School District bus was found by Lancaster County police, fire and EMS crews behind the school stadium near the school bus office after 5 p.m., Faile said.
Indian Land High School is located near U.S. 521 south of Charlotte, and east of Fort Mill and Rock Hill.
The bus passengers — over 40 students and a driver — were removed from the bus. EMS personnel treated the patients on scene, Faile said.
No students were transported by EMS for further treatment, but the driver was transported by private vehicle to a medical site for evaluation, Faile said.
Everyone believed to be exposed is now stable, Faile said in the statement.
Parents were notified and came to pick up their students, Faile said. Parents were advised to monitor their students and immediately seek medical attention if additional symptoms arise, according to the statement.
