A student from the Guillermo Cova National Educational Unit, located in the Dos Lagunas urbanization of the El Cartanal parish of the Independencia municipality in Miranda, died after inhaling a toxic substance in an apparent challenge on social networks. This tragic event has shocked the community of Valles del Tuy and has put educational and security authorities on alert.
According to the police report, the young man identified as RARR, 15 years old, along with another 14-year-old companion, inhaled a tank cleaner (Osirex) stolen by three fourth-year high school students. Those responsible, two 15-year-olds and one 17-year-old, were arrested by police authorities.
The incident occurred on the afternoon of last Friday the 15th, when the teenagers threw the container from the first floor to the ground floor. Two third-year students inhaled the substance, RARR being the one who had the most serious complications, as he suffered from asthma. Despite being transferred to the Dr. Victorino Santaella hospital in Los Teques and receiving medical attention, the young man could not overcome the clinical condition.
The authorities are also investigating a case of mass poisoning that occurred at the Liceo Bolivariano “15 de Octubre” in Mopia in Santa Teresa del Tuy, where 19 people, including students and adults, presented various symptoms after inhaling an unknown substance. This event was recorded on October 29, when 17 students, aged between 11 and 15, and two adults began to manifest symptoms such as vomiting, chest pain, eye redness, itching, tachycardia and difficulty breathing.
Prevention of viral challenges
Given the recent cases of poisoning due to viral challenges in the Independencia municipality, Mayor Rayner Pulido Fuentes expressed his solidarity with the families affected by these unfortunate events and activated a campaign on the importance of raising awareness among students about the dangers of viral challenges. especially what is known as “chroming”, which involves the inhalation of toxic substances.
Likewise, the mayor called on parents and representatives to be attentive to their children’s online activity. He also urged school teaching and management staff to redouble their efforts to supervise students and detect any red flags.
