Students from three Brisbane suburbs evacuated at Earnshaw State College after a strong and stenching gas smell was reported to the authorities. According to investigations, the odour came from a commercial business on Depot Street, Banyo.

Almost 50 students suffering from nausea and coughing were treated by paramedics. According to the Department of Community Safety, four have been transported to Prince Charles Hospital.

They asked locals to stay indoors for their own safety. Police said that the areas affected were Banyo, Bracken Ridge and Deagon.

Chief Fire Superintendent Kevin Wash said that the smell might have been accidentally released from a nearby industrial complex.

"It’s a very smelly product. It smells a bit like rotten cabbage," he said.

Worried parents immediately rushed at Earnshaw to pick-up their children.

Sharon Kelly, whose children are in years nine and one, was quick to drive to the school when she heard about the news.

"I know my girls would be scared," she said.

Maria Cruz, on the other hand, received a phone call about the incident. She said she was very worried not just about the gas "but also the danger of explosion."

Walsh has confirmed that the leak has been identified and under control.

"We're actually in the process of demobilising this incident in the next hour or so.

"There may be a slight smell left in the area, but there should be nothing to be concerned about," he said.