Hazmat Incident Hospitalizes Students at Taunton School

A hazardous materials incident at Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School in Taunton led to seven students being hospitalized after experiencing symptoms like dizziness and lightheadedness due to a strange odor in a biotechnology lab. The Taunton Fire Department responded to the Tier 1 hazmat incident, the lowest risk level, and evacuated the building. No chemical spill or leak was detected, and the cause of the odor remains under investigation by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services. Emergency services, including multiple ambulances and fire trucks, were present, and the affected students were transported to Morton Hospital for evaluation. The school, which houses 1,335 students, will resume classes normally, though further use of the Biotech Building depends on the ongoing investigation. Superintendent Alexandre Magalhaes commended the quick response of the teacher and emergency services.