Dozens of Children Accidentally ‘Tear Gassed’ During School Day

Panic swept through a Berlin elementary school Friday morning after an attacker unleashed tear gas in the hallways, sending dozens of children to emergency care and forcing the campus to shut down.

Authorities say chaos erupted just after 9 a.m. at Miriam Makeba Elementary School in the Moabit neighborhood, where nearly 400 students were starting their day. According to first responders, 37 children suffered from burning eyes and choking fits, with one rushed to the hospital for further treatment.

Parents Gather in Fear

Within minutes of the attack, terrified parents crowded the school gates, anxiously waiting for news as ambulances and fire trucks surrounded the building.
“My daughter called me crying, saying she couldn’t breathe and her eyes were burning,” one parent told local reporters. “I’ve never been so scared.”

Police say the school was quickly evacuated as medics treated children on the scene. “At least ten children are reportedly complaining of eye and respiratory irritation,” the Berlin Police Department announced in a statement. “There is no longer any danger, but school operations are suspended.”

A City on Edge

The Berlin Fire Department confirmed that 42 emergency workers responded, bringing the situation “under control” by late morning. The building was ventilated to clear the toxic gas, but for many families, the fear lingered.

Officials have not yet identified a suspect or motive. Police are investigating who set off the tear gas canister, describing the act as a “deliberate attack” on vulnerable children.
“We want answers—and we want whoever did this to be brought to justice,” said another parent, whose son was among those treated.

A Disturbing Pattern?

The incident comes amid growing concerns about violence targeting schools across Europe. Earlier this year, Germany’s parliament debated new security measures after a string of threats and attacks rattled the nation’s education system.

“Every parent expects their child to be safe at school,” said Berlin city councilor Martina Schmidt. “An attack like this is every family’s nightmare.”

As investigators comb through security footage and interview witnesses, parents and students are left to grapple with the shock. The school is expected to remain closed until authorities complete their investigation.

This story is developing and will be updated as more details emerge.