Auckland (The NZ Today)
A second New Zealand school has gone into lockdown following a chemical-related incident, shortly after a potentially unstable chemical was discovered at Horowhenua College.
Mana College in Porirua announced the lockdown on Wednesday, advising parents, students and members of the public not to come to the school while the incident is being managed.
In a Facebook update, the school said unnecessary visits or phone calls could disrupt the response process and potentially put students, staff and members of the public at risk.
“All further updates will be provided on the school website,” the school said.
Details about the chemical involved at Mana College have not yet been released, and authorities have not confirmed whether anyone has been injured.
The lockdown comes a day after Horowhenua College faced a similar situation when a science technician discovered a flask containing chemical material that was identified as potentially unstable.
Emergency services were called to school, with a Defence Force explosive ordnance disposal team brought in to assess and safely deal with the substance.
Horowhenua College principal Grant Congdon said the material was removed by specialists and later destroyed in a controlled explosion on the school’s back field at approximately 3pm.
Police confirmed the science block was evacuated as a precaution and said no injuries were reported.
Meanwhile, authorities are continuing to assess the Mana College incident and further updates are expected from the school and emergency agencies.
