- 15-year-old student involved in a chemical incident at Benson Polytechnic High School is expected to survive, according to an update from the Portland Police Bureau.
- The incident happened Tuesday morning, September 8, at approximately 8:30 a.m.
- First responders from Portland Fire & Rescue and PPB were called to the school after reports of a student experiencing a medical emergency.
- School staff provided life-saving care before the student was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.
- The incident prompted the evacuation of the school.
- Students were moved to nearby athletic fields, where they were reunited with their families, while specialized responders worked to make the cafeteria area safe.
- More than 100 students, faculty and staff members were evaluated at the scene.
- No additional patients required hospitalization.
- Police later clarified that the student inhaled toxic gases from a mixture he brought from home and spilled some on the floor.
- Investigators seized multiple electronic devices and are combing through evidence posted online involving numerous students, multiple phones, and multiple social platforms.
- As of Wednesday morning, police said there was still no clarity on whether the student intended to harm only himself or others, but believe there is no ongoing threat.
- All classes and activities at Benson were canceled Tuesday and Wednesday; school is expected to resume as normal on Thursday morning.
A 15-year-old student at Benson Polytechnic High School is recovering after a chemical spill incident on September 8. The student mixed household chemicals, inhaling toxic gases, leading to a medical emergency.1
Portland Police Bureau confirmed he is expected to survive, clarifying he did not drink the mixture.
First responders were called at 8:30 a.m. after reports of a medical emergency, and school staff provided life-saving care before the student was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.34
The incident prompted the evacuation of the school, with over 100 students and staff evaluated for exposure.5
Portland Public Schools Superintendent Kimberlee Armstrong praised the staff's quick response, stating, “They gave the student and everyone nearby the best possible chance at a positive outcome.”
Investigators are examining the student's intent and the source of the chemicals, with police stating there is no ongoing threat to the school community.
Portland Police Chief Bob Day noted, “We still have no clarity on whether the student intended to harm only himself or to harm others as well.”13
The hazardous materials crew neutralized the chemicals, and classes are expected to resume on Thursday.
U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden addressed the incident, highlighting the broader mental health challenges facing youth today, stating, “We have young people who are walking an economic and healthcare tightrope.”
“Police clarified Wednesday that the 15-year-old boy did not drink the mixture as initially reported, but inhaled gases after spilling chemicals he brought from home. More than 100 students and staff were evaluated at the scene, and school is set to resume Thursday with voluntary emotional check-ins.”
