Rudrapur, Feb. 8 -- A teacher and seven first-year students fell ill after a bottle of acetyl chloride broke during a practical class in the laboratory of a government polytechnic college in Lohaghat, Champawat district, on Saturday, prompting their hospitalisation at the sub-district hospital, officials said. Two students arrived in serious condition but have regained consciousness. All remain under observation, doctors said. Dr Viraj Rathi, principal medical superintendent at the government hospital in Lohaghat, said, "The teacher and the students were brought to our hospital were suffering from breathing problems and skin and eye burn from the effect of acetyl chloride's gas and smell. They were provided medical facilities and are feeling better now." The pharmacy students were conducting practicals in the lab when the bottle fell from a table and shattered. The chemical's fumes and odour triggered breathing difficulties and other symptoms, affecting the teacher and seven students. They were rushed to the sub-district hospital for treatment. The affected individuals were identified as teacher Shailja, and students Garima, Nikita, Gunjan, Kajal, Diya, Sanjana, and Shivani. Anil Rautela, officiating principal of the polytechnic college, said, "The teacher and the students were carrying out practicals in the lab when the incident took place. The teacher and the students were rushed to the government hospital by us where they are recovering." The laboratory has been closed following the incident, he added. Dr Rathi said, "Only two students who were brought in serious conditions will be kept under observation and others will be discharged later in the evening on Saturday."...