MININT reveals the source of the gas that intoxicated dozens of students at a school in Matanzas

A student sprayed a mysterious gas on a teacher's motorcycle in Matanzas, poisoning 35 students. Authorities confiscated the aerosol, identified its source, and will impose disciplinary measures.


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The Ministry of the Interior (MININT) has identified the cause and origin of the gas that affected several students at the José Luis Dubrocq Pre-University Institute in Matanzas.

The Facebook user Pedro Rizo Martínez, a pro-government journalist, stated that according to the investigation conducted by the experts, the incident was caused by the action of a student who sprayed pepper spray in a teacher's motorbike, which led to the inhalation of the substance at the educational center.

Facebook Pedro Rizo Martínez

The General Director of Education, Edilberto Casanova Armenteros, reported that, after a thorough forensic investigation, interviews with students and teachers, it was possible to clarify the event, determine the substance and its origin. During the investigation, the authorities seized the spray used in the incident.

According to the report, the student later handed over the pepper spray to a graduate of the center, who used it outside the school. Subsequently, the young man returned the aerosol to the student, from whom the container with the substance was confiscated.

"She states that she never imagined it would have such implications and the harm it would cause to her classmates; she only used it to annoy the teacher," explained Casanova Armenteros.

Facebook Pedro Rizo Martínez

School authorities have confirmed that the students involved are subject to the disciplinary measures established by the regulations, as well as the appropriate actions in these cases, given that it involves a minor.

The student stated that she possessed pepper spray for her personal defense. However, its use at school resulted in the intoxication of 35 students, who exhibited symptoms such as vomiting, redness, dizziness, and fainting last Friday in the city of Matanzas.

As a result of the incident, four students were admitted to intermediate care and another twenty received treatment in various wards of the Eliseo Noel Caamaño Pediatric Hospital, where they were discharged after 24 hours of observation.

Experts from MININT and education officials in the province have held meetings with teachers, students, and parents to explain the causes of the incident and the details of the investigation.

The pepper spray is an aerosol with irritating chemical properties. It contains capsaicin, a chemical compound extracted from peppers, designed to temporarily incapacitate a person.

Exposure to this product causes inflammation of the mucous membranes in the nose, mouth, eyes, and lungs, leading to temporary blindness, tearing, burning sensations, and difficulty breathing.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Intoxication at the School in Matanzas

What was the cause of the poisoning at the school in Matanzas?

The poisoning was caused by pepper spray that a student sprayed in a teacher's motorbike, which caused the substance to spread throughout the educational center.

How many students were affected by the poisoning?

A total of 35 students were intoxicated, showing symptoms such as vomiting, dizziness, and fainting, and were treated at the Eliseo Noel Caamaño Pediatric Hospital.

What measures were taken following the incident at the José Luis Dubrocq pre-university?

The educational authorities indicated that the students involved are subject to disciplinary measures according to the school regulations. Additionally, meetings were held with teachers, students, and parents to explain the reasons for the incident and the details of the investigation.

What was the evolution of the hospitalized students?

All students were discharged after a 24-hour observation, with no serious cases reported. Four of them were admitted to intermediate care as a precaution due to comorbidities.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.

CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.