In Paris, 230 people, including many children, evacuated from a school in the 10th arrondissement because of an accidental mercury spill

Thursday, November 7, 230 people, including many children, were evacuated at midday from a Parisian school, located in the 10th arrondissement, the Radio France agency learned from firefighters. The cause was an accidental spill of mercury on the ground. This mercury was present in the establishment. There were no injuries.

Around 12:30 p.m., firefighters went to the Belzunce comprehensive school (nursery and primary school) located on rue de Belzunce in the 10th arrondissement of Paris. In all, 230 people (students and supervisors) were taken care of and evacuated to the nearby Saint-Vincent-de-Paul church.

On site, the firefighters – who did not speak of poisoning – put in place precautionary measures and a security perimeter. An airlock was also set up to check whether people had been in contact with the product. A private company was subsequently contacted by the town hall and the rectorate for additional checks. The students were finally able to return home.

In all, 50 firefighters were mobilized. The police also went to the scene. The intervention lasted several hours.