A two-year-old child in Toulouse suffered severe burns from caustic soda poured on a playground slide, necessitating a skin graft. The incident, which occurred at the Séminaire playground in the Izards district, also injured a second child, albeit less severely. The Toulouse prosecutor's office confirmed that two pre-adolescents, aged 11 and 12, are being investigated for their involvement in this dangerous act. They were reportedly able to purchase the caustic soda from a nearby supermarket, raising questions about how such hazardous materials are accessible to minors.
The child, identified as Waïl, experienced pain after using the slide and was subsequently hospitalized with serious leg burns, leading to a 21-day period of total incapacity to work (ITT). The second child, also two years old, sustained superficial injuries. The prosecutor's office has indicated that the actions of the minors appear to be impulsive rather than premeditated, and they are now undergoing a psychiatric assessment to evaluate their understanding of the consequences of their actions.
This incident echoes a similar case from September 18, where another child was injured by caustic soda in Toulouse, highlighting an alarming trend in playground safety. The local authorities, including the Toulouse city hall, have filed a complaint for damages amounting to 60,000 euros, emphasizing the need for stricter safety measures in public spaces.
