22 high schoolers in Puerto Rico fall ill; 8 hospitalized as investigation initiated

Puerto Rico high schoolers fall ill in classroom

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — At least 30 high school students and seven teachers became sick Wednesday after reporting a foul odor that authorities were trying to identify. Officials canceled classes for the day.

Eight students were hospitalized, according to Exel Lopez, spokesman for the Commission of Public Services, who said he had no further details.

Their condition was not available, and it was unclear whether the students remained hospitalized by Wednesday afternoon. Officials at the Hospital of the University of Puerto Rico said they could not comment on the case.

The remaining students and teachers were treated at the scene for vomiting, headaches and dizziness, said Brenda Rodriguez, fire brigade spokeswoman.

Authorities initially suspected a gas leak, but they ruled out that possibility and have asked other agencies for assistance in determining a cause, Lopez said.

The smell was reported at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday by officials at the Angel Pedro Millan school in the northern city of Carolina.

Officials at the Department of Education could not be immediately reached for comment.