Emergency services descended on a Berlin elementary school on Friday morning after “tear gas” was sprayed in the hallway, leaving nearly 40 children injured.
Police, ambulance, and fire services were first called to Miriam Makeba Elementary School in Moabit shortly after 9 a.m. following reports of children being exposed to an irritant gas.
Highlights
- Nearly 40 children were injured after tear gas was sprayed at Miriam Makeba Elementary School in Berlin on Friday morning.
- Emergency services with 42 personnel responded quickly, evacuating and treating children affected by eye and respiratory irritation.
- One child was hospitalized for further treatment, while 37 others were treated on-site as the situation was brought under control.
- The school, hosting about 400 pupils, was ventilated and successfully reopened after the incident.
Local media are reporting that tear gas was sprayed in the hallway of the school. Children reported suffering from eye and respiratory irritation.
Emergency services responded to reports of an irritant gas being sprayed at the school
Image credits: Fridolin freudenfett
A massive emergency response, consisting of around 42 personnel, ensued and the school was evacuated.
One child had to be transported to hospital for further treatment, while 37 children were assessed and treated by emergency services at the scene.
Police are currently investigating the incident, which was deemed “under control” at 11:35 a.m. local time.
The school, which has approximately 400 pupils, has now been successfully ventilated and reopened, the Berlin Fire Department said.
“At around 9:00 a.m., the Berlin Fire Department was alerted to a primary school on Zinzendorfstrasse in Moabit,” a statement from the fire department read.
“Several children were exposed to irritant gas. The school has been evacuated. The children are currently being cared for and treated by emergency services. Our emergency personnel are ventilating the building.”
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In an update, they added: “The scene is under control. The school has been successfully ventilated and reopened.
“The parents of all schoolchildren have been informed of the incident by the school administration.
“There were approximately 400 children at the elementary school, 37 of whom were assessed and treated as outpatients by our emergency services.
“One child had to be transported to a hospital for further clinical care. At its peak, we were on site with 42 emergency personnel for about two hours.”
Berlin Police confirmed an investigation was ongoing and said there was no longer any danger.
“Shortly after 9 a.m., our emergency services and the @Berliner_Fw were alerted to the Miriam Makeba Elementary School in #Moabit,” a police statement said.
“At least ten children are reportedly complaining of eye and respiratory irritation. They are currently being treated by emergency personnel.
“The building has been evacuated and ventilated. Currently, there is no longer any danger.
“School operations are to be suspended. Investigations into the cause and possible perpetrators are ongoing.”