Chemical leak at Kaisareio Educational Institute: 25 injured, maintenance company official arrested
Dangerous chemical fumes from mixing of chemicals in school swimming pool in Koropi. Building evacuated, 25 people taken to hospital as precaution.
Chemical fumes at Koropi school: investigation into responsibilities ongoing
Police have arrested the manager of the maintenance company and brought in two employees for questioning following dangerous chemical fumes at the Kaisareio Educational Institute in Koropi. According to Efimerida ton Syntakton, the cause of the incident was most likely the incorrect mixing of chemical substances during maintenance work on the school swimming pool.
From the fumes of hydrochloric acid and other chemicals, 13 pupils and 12 adults were taken for precautionary medical checks to the Children's Hospitals "Aglaia Kyriakou" and "Sotiria", while two other adults went to the local Health Centre. The pupils were discharged on the evening of the same day and, according to reports, are all in good condition.
The director of the educational institute, Ilias Kaisareio, stated that chlorine materials had been mixed inside a container, clarifying that no chlorine had entered the swimming pool water. Furthermore, a specialist team from the 1st EMAK safely removed a container of hydrochloric acid that was found in a storage space near the pool. Whether the specific acid participated in the mixing that caused the fumes has not yet been clarified.
The school management ordered the evacuation of the building housing the Primary School and Nursery. The manager of the maintenance company was released on the order of the prosecutor, and a case file was opened against him for endangering public safety.
The Kaisareio Educational Institute, in a statement, claims that the source was located exclusively in the boiler room, with the swimming pool water unaffected, and attributes responsibility to the external contractor. "The swimming pool is legally licensed, meets all required specifications, and has never presented any problem until now," the statement says. The school states that it will exercise every legal right against those responsible.
The exact causes of the incident and possible liabilities are expected to be clarified by the ongoing investigation, in which the State General Chemical Laboratory is expected to contribute.
Source: Efimerida ton Syntakton