WEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - At least five children were taken to the hospital after what fire rescue officials described as a medical incident at Pinecrest Glades Academy in West Miami-Dade.
According to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, units on Friday morning responded to the school, located at 15250 SW Eighth Street, following a call that was upgraded to a level one mass casualty incident.
“The age range between the patients is 14 to 16 years of age,” said a dispatcher.
In a message sent to families, school officials said a student had brought a food item to campus and shared it with others. Several students who consumed it experienced adverse reactions, prompting the emergency response.
The message goes on to read:
“This matter is also under investigation by law enforcement. Please rest assured that we are taking every necessary step to address this unfortunate situation and to ensure the continued safety of our students.”
Families rushed to the school after hearing about a commotion, searching for answers.
“They haven’t told me anything yet,” said a parent.
“Some of the kids ate something that was infected or contaminated and they got sick and they had to take them to the hospital,” said another parent.
The Florida Charter School Alliance released a statement saying a student “brought a food item to campus, which was shared with others.” It goes on to say “some students who consumed it began experiencing adverse reactions.”
Officials with HCA Florida Kendall Hospital confirmed it received five teenage patients in good condition. The students were with their parents and were being treated in the hospital’s pediatric emergency room.
Officials did not disclose what the food item was.
The school urged parents to remind their children about the seriousness of their actions, noting that what may seem like a simple choice can lead to severe consequences, including potential criminal charges and disciplinary measures.
According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, the students who were taken to the hospital were intoxicated which is why authorities have not been able to speak with them and find out what it was that they ate.
MDSO is investigating what happened at the school.
Please check back on WSVN.com and 7News for more details on this developing story.
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