Córdoba school ordered to indemnify student injured in chemistry accident

A court in Córdoba, Argentina, has ordered Colegio Cristo Rey to indemnify a student who suffered severe burns during a chemistry experiment in September 2022. The incident occurred while students were performing the “pharaoh’s serpent” experiment, which involves flammable substances. During the activity, a classmate added alcohol to the mixture, triggering a deflagration that struck the 17-year-old student.

The victim spent approximately 70 to 78 days in intensive care and underwent 33 surgical procedures, including skin grafts and wound cleanings. Despite extensive medical intervention, the student was left with permanent psychophysical disabilities.

Judge Gustavo A. Massano rejected arguments from the school and its insurer, who claimed the accident was an unpredictable event caused by a third party's imprudence. The court ruled that the relationship between the school and its students constitutes a “consumer contract,” placing strict liability on the institution to ensure student safety. Investigations revealed the laboratory lacked basic protective equipment and adequate supervision during the high-risk activity.