TWO students were last night recovering after inhaling toxic fumes leaking from a fridge in their Oxford college.

Ambulances and fire crews were called to St John’s College in St Giles yesterday morning. Two students were taken to hospital and 20 other people were checked by paramedics.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus removed the fridge, which was leaking the colourless gas ammonia, from the student kitchen and ventilated the building.

South Central Ambulance Service said it was called at 6.22am to the incident in the 16th century college.

Spokesman James Keating-Wilkes said it sent three ambulances and the two students were taken to Oxford’s John Radcliffe as a precautionary measure.

He said the 20 other patients, who were also exposed to the gas, were treated at the scene, but declined to go to hospital.

Ammonia, the gas used in a refrigerator as a coolant, is toxic.

The college is home to about 390 undergraduates, 250 graduate students, 100 fellows and 25 lecturers. The fridge had leaked the fumes into a staircase of the building.

Early yesterday college spokesman Dr Julia Paolitto said: “Two students have been sent for medical observation as a precautionary measure.

“The staircase in which the kitchen is located has been evacuated and emergency services have arranged for the safe removal of the appliance.”

She added: “The college undertakes regular safety inspection of its domestic appliances, but is now undertaking further checks to see whether any other appliances are liable to similar leaks.”

Last night she said the two students had returned to the college within four hours.

She added: “The actions taken were purely precautionary. Everything is back to normal now.”

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service sent three fire engines – two from Rewley Road and one from The Slade.

Some 20 firefighters attended and helped make sure anyone who inhaled the gas was checked over by paramedics. Fire crews left by 8.15am.

Station manager Simon Belcher said: “If you suspect that your fridge is leaking ammonia, you can tell this by the pungent smell.

“Get out and call the fire service, don’t take any risks.”