Several students at Smithfield-Selma High School required medical treatment on Wednesday after being exposed to pepper spray.
The pepper spray was discharged by a student, but it was unclear whether it was intentional or unintentional, according to a spokesperson from Johnston County Schools.
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Sky 5 flew over the school in Smithfield at 12 p.m., when first responders and staff were gathered outside the building's front entrance. There was a large emergency response, with at least 15 emergency vehicles on scene and stretchers in the grass.
After hearing about the incident, many families feared the worst.
"Your heart starts racing. With everything happening these days, you just don’t know. We still have questions about what really happened," Victoria Arrington, great-grandmother of a freshman said.
Broadcastify radio traffic indicates some students had trouble walking out of the building after the pepper spray was used.
"Students are exiting the structure now … we still have four that are unable to walk out on their own power," according to radio traffic.
"It was weird to see. It was too much. It was very chaotic," described ShaziyahRaiford, a senior.
Students said they felt safe the entire time.
"It really wasn’t much," said an unnamed student. "Teachers kept everyone calm and in place."
"I know I’m in safe hands," said Carlie Morris, a senior. "I know our principal is going to do the best for us, and our teachers love us all."
Officials did not confirm how many students were impacted.
The school district said the incident was isolated, and the few students who were exposed were treated. The school day was continuing normally Wednesday afternoon, according to the district.
Parents said some students were picked up early. Most agreed the school handled the incident well, although several parents told WRAL News they felt communication could have been better.
"Your heart starts pounding and all the stuff going on, you don’t know," one parent told WRAL News.