Crime & Safety
UPDATE: Chemical Spill at South Lakes High School Injures Two
A chemical spill occurred at South Lake High School this morning, injuring two.
A chemical (UPDATE 2:35 p.m. the Washington Post reports that it was hydrochloric acid) spill in a South Lakes High School classroom has left two people injured, according to the Fairfax County Fire Department.
At 7:03 a.m., a few ounces of acid spilled, and the fire department said two people were transported to the hospital with non life threatening injuries.
Fairfax County Public Schools Public Information Officer John Torre told WUSA 9 that the two people injured were staff members.
South Lakes Principal Kim Retzer released a statement this morning:
"We had a small, contained chemical spill in one of our classrooms this morning before school started. No students were injured. Fairfax County Fire Department is on the scene. We have closed off two wings of the building and have reassigned those classes impacted to other available spaces. Students who have been delayed in the traffic back-up will be excused this morning."
The section of the spill is still closed, but students are being allowed back into the building.
We'll keep you updated at the situation develops.
UPDATE 12:45 p.m.:
Principal Kim Retzer released the following statement:
"At around 6:45 a.m. today, South Lakes High School experienced a chemical spill in a storage room. We contacted the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, which closed one subschool locker area and adjacent classrooms on the 400 level and one hallway of classrooms immediately below.
Classroom assignments were shifted as a result. Two staff members were transported to the hospital as a precautionary measure.
South Lakes High continued to operate classes while this incident was occurring. Students did remain in their second period classes and did not transition to Seahawk Seminar.
Find out what's happening in Restonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
At approximately 9:45 we received the okay from FCFRD to reopen all parts of the building. All students will transition to their 6th period classes on the regular bell schedule."
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
