7 students in hospital after "irritant substance" sprayed at Brampton school cafeteria

Seven students have been transported to hospital as a precaution after a spray was released at a Brampton high school’s cafeteria.

Peel District School Board confirmed that Castlebrooke Secondary School was evacuated around 12:45 pm due to an irritant substance.

Peel Regional Police were at the scene, and continue to investigate.

“While the Fire Department worked to clear the building, together with the Peel District School Board’s Maintenance Services staff, paramedics attended to students and staff who required medical assistance,” said the school. “Seven students were transported to local hospitals as a precautionary measure and others received minor medical attention.”

POLICE INVESTIGATION:
– assist at a school located near Gardenbrooke Trail & The Gore Rd #Brampton
– students being evacuated as an irritant substance was sprayed inside the school
-unknown how many people are affected
-Further information as we get it
– C/R 12:39pm
-19-0449818 pic.twitter.com/CJmbGb6a5z

— Peel Regional Police (@PeelPolice) December 10, 2019

The evacuation was lifted around 1:55 pm, and the school said it resumed regular operations. But the cafeteria and main entrance were not accessible at the time.

“​The safety of our students and staff are our top priority. Incidents like this are very disappointing, and we take them very seriously,” said the school.

“In accordance with the Peel board’s Safe Schools Policy, we will investigate the matter and apply any required disciplinary action. At the same time, we will cooperate with the police’s ongoing investigation.”