Mass poisonings in Venezuelan schools

A series of mass intoxication incidents involving students and staff has been reported across several Venezuelan states. The situation began in Trujillo state, where simultaneous incidents at Liceo Las Palmas and Colegio San Vicente de Paúl caused symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and respiratory irritation. Local officials in Andrés Bello attributed the events to a “sabotage agenda orchestrated by fascist sectors of the extreme right,” while investigations into the biological or chemical causes continued.

Subsequent reports indicated the issue spread to Táchira and Aragua states. In Táchira, incidents at the La Morita Educational Unit and in the Vega de Aza community affected nearly 100 people through exposure to an unknown chemical agent. In Aragua, inhalation of particulate matter during laboratory maintenance and the consumption of contaminated candies were cited as causes for further evacuations and illnesses.

In response to the escalating incidents, regional authorities have requested criminal investigations by the CICPC. Human rights activists have criticized the lack of institutional transparency and called for international mediation from the International Committee of the Red Cross to ensure school safety.