Students at West Florence High School, around 80 miles east of the state capital, Columbia, had been complaining about a bizarre odor since August 25, with many reporting that it was making them feel unwell.

The school launched an urgent investigation into the smell, spending $55,000 on inspections and air conditioning repairs. Even the high school’s gas lines, propane systems, and air quality had been inspected.

However, the source of the odor remained a mystery.

Eventually, students began experiencing nausea, dizziness, and migraines with some seeking medical attention for respiratory issues connected to the smell.