Tear Gas Prank Leaves 24 Students Injured

Sep 16, 2026 | News On Japan

OSAKA - A second-year high school student was arrested at the scene after allegedly releasing tear gas spray inside a classroom at Osaka University of Commerce Sakai High School on September 16, leaving 24 students complaining of coughing, throat pain and other symptoms.

Emergency services received a report from school staff at around 10:40 a.m. that tear gas spray had been released and that students were experiencing symptoms.

The incident occurred in a classroom on the second floor of the school building during a break between classes.

More than 10 ambulances, along with police and fire department vehicles, were dispatched to the school in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture.

Seven of the 24 students who reported symptoms were taken to hospitals. Their injuries were described as minor, and all remained conscious.

Police arrested a male second-year student in his teens who was at the scene.

The student told investigators, "I sprayed it as a joke, but it turned into a serious situation."

Police said the student did not attempt to flee after releasing the spray. Officers questioned him at the scene before arresting him in a police vehicle.

The school sent all students home following the incident.

Source: KTV NEWS

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