Five Florida Students Hospitalized After Eating Unknown Food Item Shared by Classmate

MIAMI, Fla. — Five students at Pinecrest Glades Academy in southwest Miami-Dade were hospitalized Friday after consuming an unknown “food item” shared by a classmate, authorities confirmed.

Students Show Adverse Reactions

According to a statement from the school, the incident happened the morning of September 26, when one student brought a food item onto campus and shared it with others. The five teens, all aged 14 to 16, began experiencing adverse reactions shortly after eating it.

Emergency services were called immediately, and the students were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Photos from the scene showed police cars and fire trucks lined outside the academy as first responders worked to stabilize the students.

Police and Emergency Response

The Miami-Dade Police Department said it received a medical call around 10 a.m. Due to the number of patients, the situation was escalated to a Level One Mass Casualty Incident, with five pediatric patients taken to the hospital.

The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office later reported that the hospitalized students were “intoxicated and receiving medical attention.” Officials said interviews with the students will be conducted at a later time as the investigation continues.

School Statement

In its public statement, Pinecrest Glades Academy emphasized student safety while warning parents and students about the seriousness of such incidents.

“Please rest assured that we are taking every necessary step to address this unfortunate situation and to ensure the continued safety of our students,” the academy said.

Administrators also urged parents to remind children of the consequences of their actions: “What may seem like a simple choice can carry very severe consequences, including potential criminal charges and school-related disciplinary measures.”

Community Concern

The case has sparked concerns about unauthorized substances making their way onto school campuses, especially after recent incidents nationwide where students were hospitalized from unknowingly consuming edibles or other harmful items.

Do you believe schools should implement stricter bag checks or random screenings to prevent dangerous items from being brought onto campus? Share your thoughts in the comments on SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.