Portland Student Expected to Survive Toxic Gas Inhalation

A 15-year-old student at Benson Polytechnic High School in Portland is expected to survive after suffering a severe medical emergency Tuesday when he mixed household chemicals brought from home and inhaled the resulting toxic gases in the cafeteria. Officials said surveillance footage confirmed he inhaled rather than swallowed or drank the mixture. A school nurse and vice principal began CPR and used an automated external defibrillator within seconds, actions officials said likely saved his life. The school was evacuated, hazardous-materials crews neutralized the chemicals, and more than 100 students and staff were evaluated; no one else required hospitalization. Air testing found the building safe, and classes were canceled for two days before being scheduled to resume Thursday. Police said the student appears to have acted alone, while investigators examine his intent, the chemicals’ origins, and electronic devices and other materials seized during the investigation.