In a troubling incident at the Municipal School Magalhães Drummond located in the Prado neighborhood of West Belo Horizonte, two staff members were injured when a pressure cooker exploded during food preparation. The event occurred early Thursday morning, and the injured parties were immediately attended to by the Corpo de Bombeiros (Fire Brigade). One of the women, aged 43, suffered burns to her abdomen, back, and arms, while the other, aged 42, was thrown to the ground, experiencing pain in her hip and head. Both were taken to Hospital João XXIII for treatment.

The explosion was attributed to a malfunction in the pressure cooker related to the release of steam while cooking beetroot. This incident highlights potential safety hazards in school kitchens, particularly when using pressure cookers, which require careful monitoring and maintenance. The local fire department responded quickly to the incident, emphasizing the importance of adherence to safety protocols in educational settings.

In the aftermath of the explosion, the kitchen sustained significant damage, leading to the temporary closure of the area. The school administration has communicated the situation to parents, ensuring that all necessary safety measures are being enhanced to prevent future accidents. This incident not only raises concerns regarding kitchen equipment safety in schools but also underlines the responsibility of educational facilities to provide a secure environment for staff and students alike.