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Palermo School Science Demo Blast Leaves Teen Critical as City Confirms Cause

Prosecutors weigh possible negligence by adults present, with the education ministry preparing a safety protocol for experiments.

Overview

  • Official fire department findings say flammable alcohol vapors ignited after contacting an open flame during a “volcano” demonstration.
  • A 16-year-old remains intubated in the pediatric ICU at Hospital Gutiérrez with a reserved prognosis after burns to the face and chest.
  • Two other students sustained burns affecting about 20% of their bodies and are receiving care at Fernández and the Hospital del Quemado; a mother suffered hand burns.
  • SAME ambulances and city police responded, the building was evacuated, and patients were transferred to specialized centers for burn treatment.
  • Fiscalía N°5 led by Miguel Ángel Kessler is taking testimonies to evaluate potential culpable injury charges, as the city drafts new rules following a similar Pergamino incident and accounts differ over extinguisher access and staff actions.