NEW YORK (1010 Wins/WCBS 880) — Forty people were injured in a pepper spray accident at a Queens school on Thursday, according to the NYPD.
Officials responded to P.S./M.S. 219, a middle school located at 144-39 Gravett Rd. in Pomonok at about 10:40 a.m.
Nine adults and 31 students were injured from pepper spray inhalation and were evaluated at the scene. Ten people were taken to an area hospital in stable condition while eight refused medical attention, officials said.
According to the Department of Education, the pepper spray was discharged in the school cafeteria.
Police believe that the incident was an accident and no criminality is suspected.
"We are offering additional security and supports to the school community today and in the coming days and are working closely with the NYPD regarding follow-up actions," the DOE said in a statement. "A reminder for parents, pepper spray and other ‘personal safety devices’ are not allowed in schools."
Traffic in the Pomonok area was affected as authorities investigated the incident.