34 Treated After Chemical Reaction at East Jerusalem School
Fire and Rescue Services confirmed the incident involved cleaning agents, leading to a one-day closure for inspections in the Shuafat neighborhood.
By Kwame Silva ·
Thirty-four people received medical treatment on Thursday after a hazardous chemical reaction occurred at a school in East Jerusalem. The group included 30 children and four staff members, all of whom inhaled fumes created by an interaction between specific cleaning products.
The Fire and Rescue Services stated that the exposure resulted from the mixing of certain cleaning agents. Upon arrival at the scene, rescue workers evacuated students and staff to clear the area and ensure everyone was safe from the fumes.
Magen David Adom ambulances transported the affected individuals to three major medical facilities in the city. Patients were sent to the Hadassah Medical Centers in Ein Kerem and Mount Scopus, as well as to Shaare Zedek Medical Center for evaluation and care.
Medical personnel reported that most of the injured were in good condition. One 10-year-old child was assessed as being in moderate condition and received specialized treatment at the hospitals.
Local police closed the school in the Shuafat neighborhood until Friday to allow for a thorough assessment of the site. The closure served as a precautionary measure while authorities investigated the specific cause of the chemical release.
The Fire and Rescue Service indicated that the immediate hazard was under control and that the specific danger was no longer present at the time of their report. Officials emphasized that comprehensive checks would be required before the school could resume its routine schedule.
