The accident registered this Wednesday in Porqueres adds to a series of incidents related to chemical experiments in educational centers and activities of the regions of Girona. In the last two years, several similar episodes have left injured in different municipalities of the province.
Injured in school experiments in Verges and Brunyola
On April 17, 2023, a teacher and a 2nd year ESO student suffered burns during a chemistry class at the Verges school institute. The experiment, carried out on the patio porch, consisted of mixing alcohol, sodium bicarbonate, and sugar. An excessive amount of alcohol caused a flare-up which caused injuries to both participants. Both the teacher and the student had to be evacuated to Vall d"Hebron hospital.
In Brunyola, on July 6, 2023, four minors were injured during an activity at a summer camp. The simulation of a volcanic eruption, using vinegar and sodium bicarbonate, ended in deflagration. Emergency services attended to those affected on the premises itself.
Eighteen injured in Girona during an outreach activity
In September 2022, the Girona House of Culture was the scene of another incident. A total of 18 people were injured during an experiment with liquid nitrogen led by physicist and science communicator Dani Jiménez. The handling of this material caused injuries among attendees. The accident resulted in some complaints to the Mossos d'Esquadra, who opened proceedings to clarify what happened.
Recent precedents in the counties of Girona
The succession of these episodes shows that chemical experiments in educational settings in Girona have on several occasions resulted in injuries. The Mossos d'Esquadra and emergency services have intervened in all cases to assist those affected and gather information about the circumstances of each incident.