A disturbing incident unfolded at a public school in Belford Roxo, located in the Baixada Fluminense region of Rio de Janeiro, on Friday morning. A homemade explosive device detonated within the school grounds, resulting in injuries to at least 10 young students.
The explosion took place at the Centro Integrado de Educação Pública (Ciep) Lasar Segall, situated on Rua Porto Sobrinho in the Areia Branca neighborhood. According to initial reports from the Corpo de Bombeiros, the improvised explosive was reportedly detonated in the school's courtyard after being handled by a student.
Emergency responders confirmed that eight students, estimated to be between 13 and 15 years old, sustained injuries in the blast. Fortunately, all injuries were classified as non-life-threatening. The injured teenagers were promptly transported to the Municipal Hospital of Belford Roxo for medical evaluation and treatment.
Details emerging from the scene, as reported by TV Globo, indicate the homemade bomb was constructed from a PVC tube. Witnesses described that the device was thrown onto the ground, and upon detonation, it discharged projectiles including nails, nuts, and bolts, which caused the injuries to the students.
As of the latest available information, authorities had not yet determined the origin of the explosive device. The investigation remains ongoing to ascertain whether the bomb was brought onto school property by students or if it was placed there by external individuals.
The incident has raised serious concerns about school safety and the presence of dangerous materials in educational environments. Local authorities and school officials are expected to review security protocols in the wake of this alarming event.
Based on reporting from g1.