Students and teachers intoxicated after chemical incident at San Salvador

A group of students and teachers from the Instituto Nacional General Francisco Menéndez (INFRAMEN) in San Salvador was poisoned this Friday after inhaling chemical substances in the educational center’s laboratory.

According to local media reports, the emergency prompted the intervention of several ambulances and rescue personnel, who treated those affected at the scene and transported some to hospitals.

According to preliminary information obtained by Telenoticias Megavisión, the symptoms detected included nausea and general malaise among the students and teachers exposed to the chemicals, which prompted the rapid mobilization of the Salvadoran Red Cross, Medical Emergency System (SEM), and Fire Department.

Teams from the National Civil Police (PNC) also arrived at the institute, where they cordoned off the incident area to prevent further risks.

The spokesperson for the rescue teams, Carlos Alvarado, confirmed to the aforementioned media outlet that one of the students was transported to a hospital due to the severity of the symptoms.

Although preliminary, it was reported that between eleven and fourteen people could have been poisoned, although as of the closing of this report there was no official figure provided by educational authorities or emergency services. Preliminary information indicated that between 11 and 14 people could have been poisoned, although there is no official figure. (Courtesy: Social media)

Response to the poisoning incident at the institute

Parents and school staff remained attentive to the evolution of the situation, while medical and rescue teams entered the laboratory to assess the condition of those intoxicated and determine the cause of the chemical leak.

According to social media reports, the presence of ambulances and rescue workers was constant throughout the morning, reflecting the magnitude of the incident and the concern within the educational community.

Some witnesses pointed out that the affected area was cordoned off and access was restricted to ensure the safety of other students and staff at the institute, as well as to facilitate the work of emergency teams.

The authorities recommended that those present stay away from the restricted area until any further risk is ruled out.

So far, the exact causes of the poisoning are unknown, and there is no official information regarding the substance that caused the incident.