The Ministry of Education reported that a number of female students at one secondary school for girls experienced suffocation on October 4, 2026. All cases are stable and health teams are monitoring the students continuously in coordination with other government agencies. The ministry activated all necessary procedures to address the situation and support those affected.
Minister Engineer Sayed Jalal Sayed Abdul Mohsen Al-Tabtabaei personally tracked the students’ health conditions and directed ministry officials to maintain close oversight while confirming their safety. He instructed immediate coordination with concerned entities to manage the event and apply required measures. Al-Tabtabaei also ordered the case referred for urgent investigation to establish causes, circumstances and full details.
The investigation seeks to determine responsibilities and recommend actions based on its findings, according to the ministry statement. This rapid response aligns with protocols for addressing health incidents in educational facilities across Kuwait. Updates will continue as investigators compile additional information from all involved parties.
The ministry underlined that protecting students along with teaching and administrative staff stands as its highest priority. It committed to sustained monitoring of the affected students and any related developments in the case. All essential support will remain available to secure their well-being throughout the process.
A similar suffocation event in 2017 involved 42 students at a Jahra girls school after a prank with fire extinguishers triggered panic and breathing issues, Gulf News reported at the time. That episode led to multiple expulsions, school transfers and suspensions for those responsible plus staff referrals for negligence. Such precedents have reinforced the need for vigilant enforcement of safety rules in Kuwaiti schools.
The ministry stated it will not tolerate any behavior that compromises school security or places students and staff at risk. Violations of regulations will encounter strict application of the disciplinary code without exception. This stance forms part of broader efforts to uphold a protected learning environment in all institutions.
