Lisbon, Aug. 19, 2026 (Lusa) - The Salesians of Lisbon clarified on Wednesday that the group of around 30 people taken from the school's premises to various hospitals in the early hours following a case of food poisoning consisted entirely of visitors.

In a statement issued after the civil protection authorities reported that around 30 people, including 26 children, had been taken from the school's premises to various hospitals in the early hours of this morning, the institution stated that these people were part of a group staying temporarily at the Salesians of Lisbon's premises.

The institution clarified that this group is from France; the individuals are visitors rather than pupils at the school and are not taking part in any activity organised by it.

«The group merely requested overnight accommodation on the premises. The organisation of their stay and meals is the group's responsibility. Meals are prepared, provided, and supervised by the group itself,» it explained.

The civil protection services received the alert at 12:10 a.m. today, and 13 vehicles and 26 personnel from the fire service and Portugal's National Medical Emergency Institute (INEM) arrived at the scene; INEM transported the victims to the hospitals of Santa Maria, Dona Estefânia and Fernando da Fonseca (Amadora-Sintra).

Investigators are still determining the cause of the food poisoning.

SO/ADB // ADB.

Lusa