A police investigation has been opened into the child who was seriously burned by caustic soda in a playground in Toulouse on Wednesday, September 18. All avenues are being investigated.
Metal barriers and tape surround the few square metres of colour. A technician in a white suit, green gloves and mask sprays the surrounding surface with product. The place that echoed with children’s laughter the day before now resembles a real crime scene.
The Séminaire playground in the Izards district of Toulouse is now quiet. A few people use the surrounding paths to walk their dogs. Some people are still unaware of the drama that took place at around 7pm this Thursday morning, amidst the colourful modules where children were playing.
Burnt hips and mouth
The screams of one child in excruciating pain immediately made us realize that the little boy, under 2 years old, had not suffered a minor fall. The second one had a deep pain in his flesh, both his hip and mouth were severely burned. Emergency services were called to the scene and took the injured person, whose condition was considered serious, to the pediatric emergency room of Purpan Hospital.
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INFORMATION LA DEPECHE. A person poured caustic soda on children’s games: A 2-year-old boy was seriously injured
The police quickly closed the scene. They quickly understood the root of the child’s discomfort. Caustic soda, a very corrosive product, was smeared on the toys intended for the little ones. He caused the burns on his buttocks and allegedly infected himself by putting the victim’s fingers in his mouth.
Acid at the door
A bottle of soda was seized a few meters away from the scene. On Wednesday evening, technicians began examining the area and its surroundings, where they observed and took samples. In addition to the games, acid was also placed at the gate of the area. They also listened to witnesses of the tragedy.
Sylvie holds her 5-year-old son’s hand. Her face darkens as she realises why the area has been closed off. “No way! You’d have to be a criminal to do this, especially where the youngest children come to play! I hope they catch him.” The investigation has been entrusted to the regional crime department’s personal injury brigade, which is currently trying to identify the perpetrator(s) of this extremely serious act. Analysis of the DNA found on the caustic soda bottle could allow the suspect to be identified.
Morphine was given
The reasons for this dangerous act remain a mystery. Did someone deliberately want to harm the children? Was this the result of thoughtless play by children who were idle on Wednesday afternoon? Did someone make a mistake? The investigation will have to determine this.
This Thursday, the little victim was still hospitalized. He was placed on morphine to ease his unbearable pain. His loved ones were at his bedside, far from the Seminary playground that they knew well because they lived a few hundred meters away. Toulouse city hall services “secured the building”.
