A Donegal school was evacuated this morning after chemicals used in a lab were found to have become unstable.
Some 495 pupils and 40 teaching staff at Rosses Community School in Dungloe were forced to leave the building.
Principal John Gorman said chemistry teacher Michelle Gallagher had discovered the large canisters of lithium and potassium, stored in a fume cupboard, had crystallised when she carried out an inspection before her first class this morning. She had extensive experience of dealing with chemicals and took immediate steps to deal with the matter, Mr Gorman said.
He said the school was quickly evacuated and the fire service was called. Units from Dungloe and Gweedore attended, along with the chief fire officer based in Letterkenny.
Some students were taking mock exams this morning. The business and maths exams have been rescheduled to next Thursday.