Oklahoma Christian University hazmat incident sends 13 to hospital
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Oklahoma Christian University is investigating after a hazmat-related incident sent 13 people, including students and staff to the hospital.
Fire and medical crews responded to campus Thursday afternoon after multiple people reported breathing difficulties following a lab class.
"They had an experiment that they were doing in the chemistry lab," said Major Brian Magee, with the Oklahoma City Fire Department. "The students were complaining that something was burning in their chest and shortness of breath."
According to the fire department, students were using a chemical similar to a paint lacquer during the lab called Cyclohexanol. Currently, Cyclohexanol is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA.
News 4 spoke with student athlete, Ciara Harris, Thursday who was in close proximity as fire crews arrived.
"They're all just hopping out and like running in," said Harris. "It was really scary, honestly."
Harris said she feared the worst after hearing from her coaches that some of the students were in the Payne Athletic Center and swimming when they started having symptoms.
"I don't want to go back in that gym in that building because if it's chemicals, like, I don't want that to happen to me."
Magee said while crews initially thought issues might have been unique to some of the students that were swimmers, that turned out not to be the case.
No evacuations were issued as a result of the incident.
The university closed the lab while working with local authorities on the scene Thursday. A statement said it's investigating whether lab conditions may have led to the incident.
You can read the entire statement below:
We were alerted today of a medical situation involving several students who reported breathing difficulties following a chemistry class. We followed protocol, notified the students' families and can report that all students are in stable condition. We are investigating whether the conditions of the chemistry lab may have led to the students’ issues. The lab is closed as we work closely with the Oklahoma City Fire Department, a hazardous materials team, and EMSA.
The safety and health of our students, staff, and faculty remain top priorities. This is a developing situation and we will keep the campus community updated as soon as we are able.
Neil Arter, Oklahoma Christian University Chief Student Life Officer and Dean of Students