The municipality of Steinfort has issued a statement following an incident at the local out-of-school care centre (maison relais) on 14 March, in which a child poured liquid disinfectant into a water carafe. Twelve children and an educator drank the contaminated water and were taken to hospital as a precaution, but all were able to return home the same evening.
According to the municipality, emergency protocols were followed immediately after the incident was discovered. The maison relais team alerted emergency services and contacted the Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS), while risk assessments were carried out in coordination with experts in Brussels, based on the technical data sheet of the disinfectant.
Authorities emphasised that at no point were the affected individuals in life-threatening danger. However, as a precaution, ambulances and an emergency doctor (SAMU) were dispatched, and medical examinations were conducted at the hospital. Parents were informed personally, and the facility’s director was on-site to support families.
The police launched an investigation, and the public prosecutor was notified. An internal review is also underway to establish the exact circumstances of the incident and determine any necessary preventive measures.
As the child involved is a minor, the municipality stated that information sharing has been restricted to those directly concerned, in compliance with child protection regulations.
