In Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, a student named Xiaoyu suffered severe second to third-degree burns on his face and neck last year during a science experiment class at Dalton Elementary School. Over a year has passed since the incident, but Xiaoyu still bears multiple prominent scars on his face. Doctors estimate that the long-term cost of treatment could amount to millions of yuan. However, despite the school’s initial promise to take full responsibility, they have refused to bear the high costs, leading to dissatisfaction among the parents.
According to a report by Chao News on July 21st, Mr. Zhu, Xiaoyu’s father, recalled that on April 19, 2024, at 11 a.m., Xiaoyu was splashed with alcohol from a overturned alcohol lamp in his school’s science experiment class. At the time of the incident, the teacher in charge was busy checking on other groups’ experiments and failed to promptly attend to all students.
When Mr. Zhu rushed to the hospital, he found his child’s face severely swollen and almost unrecognizable. Xiaoyu was diagnosed with deep second to third-degree burns on his face, neck, and chest. After a month-long hospitalization, Xiaoyu still required monthly trips to Shanghai for phototherapy, indicating that the ongoing treatment would be a lengthy process.
Parents later pointed out that the school may have not strictly adhered to laboratory safety regulations, such as the lack of a part-time safety officer and inadequate precautions for hazardous materials.
Initially, the Zhu family did not immediately report the incident or seek accountability due to Xiaoyu still attending the school and the school’s promise of responsibility. The school only sent representatives for condolence visits and set up a WeChat group, without proactively discussing ongoing treatment and costs. It was only after strong demands from the parents that the school reimbursed the initial treatment costs and covered the transportation expenses for treatment in Shanghai.
However, as Xiaoyu’s elementary school graduation approached in April of this year, discussions between the parties regarding the significant costs of subsequent treatment and compensation led to a change in the school’s attitude.
“Xiaoyu’s face has been left with permanent scars, and several experts have stated that it is almost impossible to fully restore his previous appearance. Xiaoyu has also suffered severe psychological distress. As parents, we certainly hope to minimize the scarring as much as possible,” Mr. Zhu said. The school initially promised to “take full responsibility” and sent a responsible person to Shanghai with the parents to listen to the treatment plan.
“Doctors from Shanghai public hospitals have assessed that scar fading is a long-term process, with subsequent costs potentially reaching millions of yuan. The school deems the costs too high, and both parties have been unable to reach a compensation agreement,” Mr. Zhu said. On June 24th, a school representative mentioned that for proper resolution, they had submitted a mediation application to higher relevant departments, which have accepted and are willing to organize negotiations between the parties. However, as Mr. Zhu was unable to reach the school afterwards, he contacted the Longwan District Education Bureau of Wenzhou on June 26th.
On July 1st, the Longwan District Education Bureau of Wenzhou organized the first coordination meeting, where the school promised to consult experts to determine a follow-up plan but later cited being unable to “schedule experts” as a reason for not providing a plan.
During another coordination meeting on July 15th, the school surprisingly claimed that Xiaoyu’s “treatment has concluded,” and requested a disability assessment for compensation based on levels.
Mr. Zhu found it difficult to accept the school’s assertion that the “treatment has concluded,” emphasizing, “Treatment should not solely refer to wound healing. The child has suffered significant physical and emotional trauma, nearing disfigurement. When doctors confirm that treatment can effectively reduce scarring, we should do our utmost to heal.” He stated that if the school does not actively address the situation, he will escalate the matter to the relevant authorities and hold them accountable for their misconduct.
On the afternoon of July 18th, officials from the Longwan District Education Bureau of Wenzhou stated that they would conduct a verification investigation.