In Matanzas, at least seven students from the José Luis Dubrocq high school were hospitalized on Friday following a suspected gas poisoning incident. The state-run newspaper Girón reported that eight students were admitted for treatment and noted that a "commission" is currently investigating the situation at the school.
The local television station Yumurí reported that the incident occurred on the second floor of the José Luis Dubrocq High School in Matanzas. According to this official source, a "very strong gas smell" was detected, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath, and skin redness among several students.
As a precaution, the school was evacuated, and "seven students are in stable condition at the Eliseo Noel Caamaño Pediatric Hospital, receiving oxygen and recovering well," according to the official report.
In response to public concern, the same state-run media outlet stated that the Communist Party leadership, alongside the local government, the Provincial Education Department, and the Ministry of the Interior, are assessing the situation and investigating the causes of the incident.
Transportation to the Hospital Amidst Confusion
Other sources accessed by CiberCuba claimed that approximately thirty students exhibiting symptoms of intoxication were transported to the hospital using buses and private vehicles. Some of these students managed to walk off the bus on their own, while others were unconscious or fainted.
"Believe me, it's not just seven affected. So far, a bus packed with students has arrived at the hospital, many of whom were fainted or barely breathing," a witness told CiberCuba.
According to the witness, the source of the intoxication remains unknown, but a "strong acrylic smell" was reportedly noticed suddenly, rendering several students unconscious. This odor rapidly permeated much of the school, prompting students and teachers to evacuate and flag down buses and cars to urgently transport those who inhaled the chemical and were incapacitated. Many students remained unconscious upon arrival at the hospital.
Swift Response and Courageous Acts
"What's curious," the witness added, "is that the State Security was here in less than fifteen minutes. The students are confused and don't know what happened. They mentioned one brave student who went into the classroom where the smell was strongest and helped several fainting classmates to safety. He described the odor as a strong acrylic smell," the witness recounted to CiberCuba.
The affected students, aged between 15 and 18, also reported that the smell appeared suddenly, and as they began to faint and run, it spread everywhere.
Understanding the Gas Incident in Matanzas
What caused the gas poisoning at the José Luis Dubrocq high school?
The exact source of the gas poisoning remains under investigation. Witnesses reported a sudden and strong acrylic smell, which led to several students fainting.
How many students were affected by the incident?
Initial reports mentioned seven students hospitalized, but other sources claimed that up to thirty students were affected, showing symptoms of intoxication.
What measures were taken following the gas incident?
The school was evacuated, and affected students were transported to a hospital for treatment. Authorities, including the Communist Party and the Ministry of the Interior, are investigating the causes.