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Dominican Republic´s Health and Environment officials investigated Thursday the poisoning of 160 people at a school in the northern province of Sanchez Ramirez.

Public Health´s Epidemiology Department Chief Sentola Martinez said preliminary investigations suggested gas accumulation above the level people could assimilate caused the poisoning.

A combination of chemical substances used to disinfect bathrooms at the Antorcha del Futuro School, including muriatic acid, might have been inhaled by the victims, Martinez stated.

School principal Facunda Vazquez ruled out criminal involvement in the incident.

Physicians, nurses and Civil Defense and Red Cross personnel have taken victims to health facilities in Puerto Plata, Gaspar Hernandez, Cabrera, Nagua, San Francisco de Macoris and La Vega.

Bio-chemical experts took samples to determine the toxic elements and levels.

By: Prensa-Latina