The governor of the state of Zulia, Luis Caldera, reported that the 55 children who were poisoned at the Rafael María Baralt school, located in the rural community of San José, are out of danger after receiving immediate medical attention.
The incident occurred on the morning of Thursday, November 13, when a herbicide spray carried out in the vicinity of the campus caused the students to be exposed to a chemical cloud blown by the wind. The product used contained phosphorus chemical compounds, known for their toxicity when inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
Symptoms of poisoning manifested quickly, activating emergency protocols. Seven of the minors were admitted to the José María Vargas Hospital, in La Concepción; six were transferred to Chiquinquirá Hospital, in Maracaibo; and the remaining 42 were treated at the Autonomous Service of the University Hospital of Maracaibo (Sahum).
He regional representative He also called for strengthening controls and supervision of fumigations in areas near educational institutions, urging school committees and local authorities to take preventive measures to prevent similar situations from being repeated.
This event has generated concern in the educational community and among parents, who demand greater vigilance over the use of chemical products in inhabited areas.
