dyton mupawaenda
Conrad Mupesa–Mashonaland West Bureau
TWO of the 53 pupils and four staff from Jameson High School in Kadoma hospitalised on Thursday morning after being hit by a yet-to-be-identified gas are still admitted at Kadoma General Hospital in critical condition.
The 57 were affected after an unknown gas leak at the school.
Sanyati district development coordinator and district civil protection chairperson Mr Amigo Mhlanga said of the initial 53 pupils admitted at Kadoma General Hospital, two were quickly treated and discharged on the same day and another 17 discharged later in the day.
Mr Mhlanga said they anticipate a rise in the number of those affected as the substance has not yet been detected.
“Among the affected, 50 are females while five are males. The specimens for those affected were taken for biological tests in South Africa.”
Tests using electronic gas monitors were done to identify the gas but no trace of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane, oxygen and nitrogen sulphide were identified.
The gases are common in mining areas and Kadoma is known for its massive gold production.
Mashonaland West medical director Dr Celestino Dhege confirmed that those discharged were in stable and good condition.
Officials from the health, environment and security departments are still at the school conducting investigations starting with the strong stench smelt in the school and residents from a nearby suburb.
Speaking after having discharged, some of the pupils and staff members said they were now in good condition and lauded the response by the health personnel in saving their lives.
Vimbainashe Wireless, a Form Three female pupil said she felt lucky to be alive after the attack.
A lot of the students, mostly females, reacted to the smell where they collapsed, failed to breathe and choked 30 minutes after getting exposed.
A cleaner, Taongaishe Muwoki who was also admitted said she was grateful to the hospital nurses and doctors who swiftly reacted to them.
Permanent Secretary in the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland West Mr Joesphat Jaji said the civil protection unit which he chairs was not going to leave anything to chance, adding all hands were on deck.
On Friday, Dr Dhege said the health officials at Kafoma Hospital had administered various life-saving skills including putting the children and staff on oxygen.
Online Reporter