Ukrainian children are going through difficult trials because of the ongoing war in the country. Many of them lost their homes, loved ones and the opportunity to live in safety. Constant air worries, relocations, lack of resources and emotional stress became an integral part of their lives. Children’s safety is usually associated with obvious risks: injuries, diseases or psychological problems. However, sometimes emergency situations arise that seem unexpected, but have extremely serious consequences.
The incident in Kropyvnytskyi
On December 8, it became known about the hospitalization of five children from the first grade of one of the local schools in Kropyvnytskyi. By information National Police of Ukraine, a fair was held on the school grounds the day before. The event was aimed at supporting the military on the front lines, with students and adults bringing a variety of items including food, clothing and supplies needed for use in the trenches. However, among the items brought, rat poison was found, which, according to the investigators, was placed in a bright wrapper. According to the previous version, children could mistake it for seeds or other edible products.
The poisoning occurred after the children tasted the contents of a suspicious package. All the victims were urgently hospitalized in a medical facility, doctors quickly provided assistance to the victims, and their condition was stabilized. Currently, investigators are investigating the circumstances of the incident, as well as checking how the poison could get to the school fair.
Liability and criminal proceedings
In connection with this case, law enforcement agencies opened criminal proceedings under part 1 Art. 137 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which provides for responsibility for improper performance of duties regarding the protection of children’s life and health. This means that investigators are focused on identifying those responsible for the children having access to dangerous substances, as well as identifying possible breaches in safety measures.
Lessons for society
This incident is a reminder of the importance of caution and responsibility, especially in a war where children can unwittingly become victims of such situations. Organizers of charity events should carefully check all items brought by participants to avoid possible dangers. In addition, additional educational work should be carried out among children and adults on how to recognize dangerous substances and how to act in case of poisoning.
For parents, this case should be another signal to monitor the safety of their children more carefully, even in peaceful regions. And for educational institutions – a call to strengthen security measures during any school events. In the conditions of war, the responsibility for children is even greater, because every careless step can have serious consequences.
The story of first-graders from Kropyvnytskyi, who almost became victims of poisoning, should remind everyone: in any situation, even in the most difficult conditions, the priority should remain the health, safety and life of children.
