Update: After this story published, police provided new information on how the student involved ingested the chemicals. OPB’s latest reporting on the incident is online here
Original story below:
Northeast Portland’s Benson Polytechnic High School was evacuated Tuesday morning due to a chemical spill.
Benson Polytechnic High School in Portland, Ore., on Feb. 28, 2025.
Natalie Pate / OPB
Police and fire officials did not say which chemicals were involved. But at a press conference Tuesday afternoon they said a 15-year-old male student mixed several toxic chemicals that he brought from home, ingested them in the school cafeteria and then spilled some of the mixture on the floor.
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.
The school was evacuated so emergency responders could evaluate the building and identify the chemicals involved.
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.
Portland Police, Portland Fire & Rescue, and Portland Public Schools officials meet outside of Benson Polytechnic High School in Northeast Portland on Tues., Sept. 8, 2026. A 15-year-old Benson student ingested chemicals in the school cafeteria, which prompted an evacuation and police and fire response.
Elizabeth Miller / OPB
Portland Public Schools spokesperson Shirell Hennessy sent out a statement confirming the evacuation.
“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.
During a press conference just after noon on Tuesday, officials announced that a joint investigation was underway, involving the Portland Police Bureau, PF&R and PPS.
Portland Public Schools superintendent Kimberlee Armstrong called the situation “stressful and scary.”
“We will be collaborating with law enforcement and fire determining what’s next in terms of reopening school,” Armstrong said.
The student who ingested the chemicals was in critical condition, according to PPB spokesperson Mike Benner. Benner commended Benson staff, including the school nurse, for their quick action performing CPR and other lifesaving measures.
The Metropolitan Explosive Disposal Unit was called to the scene as a precaution. And Benner said homicide detectives responded “to determine whether there is any potential criminal nexus to the incident.”
Police want to hear from any students, staff or others with information about what happened to the student. People can submit tips via email to crimetips@police.portlandoregon.gov.
Benner also acknowledged a rumored social media post made by the student who ingested the chemicals.
“We’ve located that post, and that is part of our investigation,” Benner said, declining to include any specifics.
Hazardous materials officials at the school said anyone exposed to the chemical spill might feel nausea or a sore throat. Anyone who was nearby and is experiencing these symptoms is urged to take a shower, put on fresh clothing, and get fresh air.
Hennessy said classes and after-school activities were canceled through Wednesday and school will resume as normal on Thursday.
