Miami, United States. – The authorities of the Provincial Directorate of Education of Matanzas confirmed Wednesday that the substance responsible for Mass evacuation and the hospitalization of 35 students at the “José Luis Dubroq” Pre -University Institute was Pepper Gas.
As explained by the director of the sector in the province, Edilberto Casanova Armenteros, to the state newspaper Girónthe fact originated “following unfortunate action, without the intention of damage and only with the aim of bothering by a student of that school.”
The incident, which occurred on January 24, generated great alarm after several students presented dizziness, difficulty breathing and redness, which forced the evacuation of the squad and the entry of those affected at the Eliseo Nael Caamaño Provincial Pediatric Hospital.
At first, the cause was described as a “exhaust of gas of signs still indeterminate”, but the confirmation of the educational authorities now points to the use of a spray that the child’s parents had given him “as a means of protection.”
According to the report, the environmental conditions and the architectural design of the place facilitated the propagation of the compound, affecting several dozens of students who remained under medical observation before receiving the registration.
“The young woman acknowledged being extremely repentant,” said the official, specifying that the measures of the school regulations are already taken in correspondence with her status as a minor. The event, considered at the time a “gas escape”, suspended teaching activities and mobilized emergency bodies and local authorities, including the main figures of the Communist Party and the Provincial Government.
According to previous statements, 35 students were hospitalized to rule out complications. All evolved favorably and, for the most part, presented symptoms such as burning in the throat, lack of air and fainting feeling. The research process included analysis in Havana and Matanzas laboratories, where it was found that the spray requisitioned was the cause of the inconvenience.
On January 24, the day of the incident, the state newspaper Girón He reported that, in a preventive way, it had been decided to “postpone the educational teaching process.” Shortly before the total evacuation of the 926 students and 65 workers who were on the campus at the time of the emergency had been evacuated.
According to Girónthe authorities have held meetings with teachers, students and parents to explain the sequence of the facts and the results of the research.
