Emergency services responded to St Joseph’s School in Ashburton, New Zealand, just before 10:00 a.m. Local time on Friday, February 27, 2026, after reports of students experiencing illness. Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) crews detected an “unknown chemical” upon arrival at the school.
FENZ dispatched two crews from Ashburton and a hazardous materials (HAZMAT) unit from Timaru to the scene, according to a spokesperson. Firefighters were working with ambulance personnel to secure the area. The HAZMAT unit was initially dispatched but stood down before arriving after initial testing showed low readings of the substance.
St John Ambulance confirmed it sent an operations manager and multiple ambulances to St Joseph’s School. Four patients, all in minor condition, were transported to Ashburton Hospital for evaluation, a St John spokesperson stated. Earlier reports indicated only two patients had been taken to the hospital.
Police were notified of the incident around 10:20 a.m. And deferred lead responsibility to Fire and Emergency New Zealand.
A person answering the phone at St Joseph’s School indicated the principal was unavailable for comment due to being occupied with parents and fire personnel. The school has not yet issued a public statement regarding the incident.
FENZ confirmed that crews encountered the unknown chemical but did not provide details regarding its nature or potential source. Testing indicated low levels of the substance were present.
