More than a dozen kids were hurt after pepper spray was accidentally discharged at a school in Queens, according to FDNY officials.
Calls came in just before 11:30 a.m. Monday about pepper spray having been mistakenly released at the cafeteria of JHS 217 in Briarwood, fire officials said. As many as 14 children had minor injuries, according to fire officials.
It wasn’t immediately clear what caused the student to discharge the pepper spray. A source said the cafeteria was closed until the air was confirmed to be clear of the irritant.
“The school immediately implemented the necessary safety protocols and, with swift response from the NYPD, FDNY, OEM, and EMT, assessed and supported any impacted students,” a NYC Schools official said.
An investigation was ongoing.