Chemical leak scare hits UP Manila

An accident during an otherwise routine "toxicology study" triggered Thursday a chemical spill scare at the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Medicine in Manila. Manila policemen and a Makati Rescue unit rushed to the site after receiving word of a chemical spill there, but UP authorities insisted the situation was under control. "I don't we can call it a chemical spill. We were running tests for toxicology specimen at the third floor of the Salcedo Hall when a small explosion occurred and a chemical container broke," UP College of Medicine dean Alberto Roxas said in Filipino during an interview on dzRH radio. The UP campus in Padre Faura is located near the main office of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Supreme Court. The radio report said the college building will remain closed at least until Friday morning. Roxas admitted that the fumes were very nauseous, prompting school officials to call the fire department. A Makati rescue unit and a Manila Police District (MPD) team rushed to the scene. The dean tried to downplay the incident, saying the faculty at the UP building "knew what to do." He added no one was injured in the incident. Still, Roxas said the rescue workers still want to conduct "air monitoring" tests at the building Friday, and they want the area cleared until then. "Nobody was hurt, no casualty. But we have to play safe," Roxas said when asked if there were injuries. The incident took place half a year after a chemical spill hit the San Isidro National High School in Makati City, forcing school authorities to suspend classes for several weeks. Residents around the school were also evacuated for fear that the fumes may affect their health. - GMANews.TV