Father Judge High Closed After 200 Seek Treatment For Hazmat Situation
By Steve Beck, Oren Liebermann and Al Novack
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Authorities are investigating a hazmat situation at a high school in Northeast Philadelphia that caused approximately 200 people to seek medical treatment.
A cheerleading competition was taking place at Father Judge High School Sunday night when some of the attendees, including cheerleaders, complained about eye irritation.
According to health officials, about 200 people sought medical treatment for "minor skin and eye irritation."
Hazmat crews arrived at the school early Monday morning to check for possible irritants, such as cleaning products. As of Monday morning, crews have not pinpointed the source of the irritation.
"We're actually testing a lot of different areas inside and outside the Father Judge High School to see if we can actually determine where this is all coming from," said Chief Charles Lapre of the Fire Marshal's Office.
Nazareth Hospital and Aria Health's Torresdale Campus were filled with dozens of patients, some of whom had their eyes flushed and took medication to relieve the symptoms, officials said.
Father Judge was closed Monday because of a scheduled in-service day. It will also be closed Tuesday as investigators continue to determine a cause of the irritation.
