Fourteen children rushed to hospital, others treated, after eating lollies on school bus
Fourteen north Queensland primary school children were rushed to hospital after suddenly falling ill, apparently from eating lollies given to them on the school bus.
Police are investigating the incident, with reports they have declared the bus a crime scene. the children are students at Bluewater State School, north of Townsville.
The Queensland Ambulance service issued a statement confirming patients were taken to Townsville Hospital in stable conditions for minor illness symptoms after they reportedly ingested an unknown substance.
“Paramedics are assessing multiple children for minor illness symptoms after they reportedly ingested an unknown substance,” the QAS said.
“QAS were called to a location off Buckby Street at 10.10am.”
QAS senior operations supervisor David Wright told the ABC that 22 children had ingested an “unknown substance”, which the ABC understands was lollies, and 16 started displaying minor symptoms.
“The symptoms include some nausea, a little abdominal pain, and light-headedness,” he said.
In a statement, the school said: “Bluewater State School holds the safety of students and staff as its highest priority.
“The department is aware of an incident that occurred today at Bluewater State School which required the assistance of emergency services.
“School staff acted quickly to attend to the students while the Queensland Ambulance Service and parents were contacted.”
The school said guidance counselling would be offered for any children involved.
