Eight Students Hospitalized After Taking Pills At South Side School

CHICAGO (CBS) -- At least eight students were hospitalized Friday, after they ingested some sort of pills at a school in the Back of the Yards neighborhood.

A Fire Department spokesperson said eight students were transported to three different hospitals after ingesting medication another student brought to school at Seward Communication Arts Academy Elementary School, at 4600 S. Hermitage Ave.

Officials said the problem began around 11:45 a.m., but ambulances returned to the school multiple times, as more kids complained of feeling ill.

Sources said the students ingested unknown pills.

"CPS is taking this situation very seriously and our priority is to provide our students with a safe, healthy learning environment. School administrators immediately contacted emergency personnel and families of the affected students, and the incident is being thoroughly investigated," Chicago Public Schools said in a statement.