Northeast Portland’s Benson Polytechnic High School was evacuated Tuesday morning due to an unknown chemical spill.
Portland Fire & Rescue and medical crews were called to the scene just after 8:30 a.m. Within minutes, PF&R noted the spill was contained to one room.
FILE - Benson Polytechnic High School in Portland, Ore., on Feb. 28, 2025.
Natalie Pate / OPB
The school was evacuated so emergency responders could evaluate the building and identify the chemicals involved.
Portland Public Schools spokesperson Shirell Hennessy sent out a statement confirming the evacuation and noting that one student was impacted.
“There was a chemical spill this morning at Benson High School. The school has been evacuated and the spill has been contained. At least one student is receiving medical attention,” her statement reads.
If parents would like to pick up their children, they are available to be picked up at Northeast 15th Avenue and Irving Street, or they may be released with permission from their parent or guardian.
“School will be closed until emergency personnel have cleared the building. If students are concerned that they may have been exposed or feeling discomfort, they should call 911.“
A PF&R spokesperson said up to 200 students and staff members were medically evaluated on nearby athletic fields, and no other people were injured or sickened as a result of the incident.
