image for representation
| Photo Credit: MURALI KUMAR K
Nine students and a teacher of Government Higher Secondary School, Punnamoodu, at Kalliyoor, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, were admitted to Government Medical College Hospital (MCH) in the city for observation owing to ‘inhalation injury’ on Wednesday (October 15, 2025).
The condition of the students who complained of giddiness and respiratory difficulty after a chemical, reportedly pepper spray, was released in class was stable, hospital authorities said.
A statement from the office of the Minister for Health said one child who was vulnerable to respiratory problems was under observation in the intensive care unit. The Minister also directed the hospital superintendent to ensure necessary medical treatment for the students.
The Nemom police said a student who cycled to school had reported finding the pepper spray in the front portion of a two-wheeler and picked it up out of curiosity. After the interval in the school, the student sprayed it once in the direction of the floor to test it. It was not done deliberately or owing to some dispute with other students, the child told the police.
As the fan was on, it spread in the classroom. Students who felt uneasy rushed out and a teacher in a nearby classroom who came to check on them also began to feel unwell.
The students and the teacher were initially taken to General Hospital and then to the MCH.
Chemical analysis
Hospital authorities said only a chemical analysis would confirm exactly what spray was involved.
In the meantime, the students and the teacher would be kept under 24-hour observation and provided with supportive care, followed by a reassessment of their condition.
The Thiruvananthapuram Regional Deputy Director under the General Education department has sought a report from the school principal.
Published – October 15, 2025 04:14 pm IST
