In Moscow, an official inspection was launched by the Investigative Committee after reports that several students fell ill while studying at a city educational institution due to water from a school cooler. The press office confirmed that a review of the incident is underway as part of the preliminary inquiry.
According to the investigation, on March 10, 2023, during classes in a central Moscow educational facility, a number of students began feeling unwell after drinking water from a classroom cooling unit. Medical staff were promptly alerted, and the students were assessed to determine the cause and ensure their safety. The authorities stressed that there was no immediate threat to life as a result of the incident.
Law enforcement reported that witnesses were questioned and camera footage from the premises is being examined to reconstruct the sequence of events and identify any possible factors contributing to the illness. A preliminary inquiry was initiated to determine whether any breach in safety measures occurred and to assess potential health risks to other students and staff.
Separate rumors circulated on social media that several schoolchildren in Moscow had been poisoned by the water cooler. One version suggested an unknown person added antiseptic to the cooler, which allegedly led to the illnesses. Officials emphasized that those claims are being investigated and that factual details will be released through official channels when confirmed. Meanwhile, medical evaluations were conducted to rule out serious conditions and to monitor the students’ health as a precautionary measure.
As part of the ongoing process, investigators collected statements from witnesses, reviewed school protocols related to water access and sanitation, and coordinated with municipal health services to ensure the safety of all pupils and staff. The investigation remains focused on clarifying the incident’s cause, identifying any lapses in equipment maintenance, and preventing a recurrence in similar educational settings.