A hazardous incident at a school in East Jerusalem resulted in medical treatment for 34 individuals on Thursday. Among those affected were 30 children, all of whom inhaled fumes generated by a dangerous chemical reaction involving cleaning products.
The Fire and Rescue Services confirmed the nature of the event in a statement, noting that the exposure stemmed from an interaction between specific cleaning agents. Following the incident, rescue workers moved quickly to evacuate students and staff to ensure their safety.
The Magen David Adom ambulance service transported the victims to several major medical facilities. Patients were taken to the Hadassah Medical Centers in both Ein Kerem and Mount Scopus, as well as to Shaare Zedek Medical Center.
Medical personnel reported that the majority of the injured were in good condition. One 10-year-old child was assessed as being in moderate condition and received specialized care 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 was implemented as a precautionary measure while authorities investigated the 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. However, officials emphasized that comprehensive checks would be required before the school could resume its routine schedule.
The incident highlights the potential risks associated with the handling of commercial cleaning supplies in educational environments. The rapid response by emergency services helped mitigate the impact on the large number of students and staff present at the time.
As of the latest updates, the focus has shifted to the recovery of the injured individuals and the technical inspection of the school facilities. The medical centers involved are continuing to monitor the patients, with the expectation that most will make a full recovery.
The event has drawn attention to safety protocols for chemical storage and use in schools. While the immediate threat has been resolved, the detailed investigation into how the reaction occurred will continue to inform future safety measures.
The community in the Shuafat neighborhood is awaiting further news regarding the reopening of the school, with officials promising to provide updates once all necessary safety verifications are complete.
