A chemical tube exploded in a school laboratory in Moratuwa, hospitalizing 14 people.

A hospital spokesperson stated that nineteen people, including thirteen female students, five female teachers, and a mother who was present for a school cleaning activity at Veerapuran Appu College, Moratuwa, were admitted to Panadura Base Hospital yesterday (13th). Information reports that they have fallen ill due to inhaling some chemical substance.

According to the information received, this group was hospitalized because a tube containing a chemical substance fell and broke during a laboratory experiment at the school, causing its contents to scatter. Hospital sources further stated that due to this situation, they experienced difficulty breathing and fell ill.

Immediately after the incident was reported, the fire brigade unit of the Moratuwa Municipal Council arrived at the scene and carried out the necessary cleaning operations.

A senior hospital official stated that the condition of the hospitalized female students is not serious. The hospital spokesperson mentioned that as soon as the affected individuals were admitted to the hospital, doctors promptly began treatment, and after initial treatment, they were admitted to the fourth ward of the hospital for further treatment.