Cunnamulla State School closed and homes evacuated due to mercury exposure

Mercury Exposure Shuts Down School and Forces Evacuations in South-West Queensland

Cunnamulla, QLD — A state school in south-west Queensland has been closed and several homes evacuated following a mercury exposure incident. The Queensland Fire Department (QFD) responded to Cunnamulla State School, located 800 km west of Brisbane, after two containers with liquid mercury were suspected to have been brought in by students.

Several children were taken to hospital as a precaution.

The Queensland Department of Education confirmed that school staff quickly removed the substance and contacted authorities. The Darling Downs Public Health Unit has since advised anyone who may have been exposed to go to the local emergency department for assessment.

A QFD spokesperson stated that a scientific crew is currently investigating the scene, with specialist equipment arriving from Brisbane to assess contamination levels. The area remains volatile, with the school, a BP service station, a council depot, and several private residences isolated while the response continues.

Authorities report that the incident is currently under control. As a precaution, residents are advised to avoid the affected areas while the assessment and cleanup are underway.

“The incident is reported under control; people are advised to avoid those areas.”

The Queensland Department of Education has confirmed they will continue to follow advice from Queensland Health regarding the school’s reopening and the safety of students and staff.