Ghent, June 20, 2025 — Six young children were taken to hospital on Thursday with mild symptoms following an accident during a recreational activity in the Belgian city of Ghent. The incident occurred after the wrong substance was used to create soap bubbles during a supervised play session.
According to a statement released by city authorities, seven children were participating in the activity when it became apparent that something was wrong. While one child remained symptom-free, the other six exhibited mild but concerning reactions and were transported to hospital as a precautionary measure.
All six children are said to be in stable condition and are expected to recover fully. “The children displayed symptoms that, although mild, warranted medical attention out of an abundance of caution,” a city spokesperson said.
The exact nature of the incorrect product used has not yet been disclosed. However, an internal investigation has been launched to determine how the mistake occurred and to prevent similar incidents in the future. City officials stressed that safety protocols would be reviewed and updated based on the findings.
The supervisor overseeing the activity was reportedly deeply distressed by the incident and accompanied the children to the hospital. “They are very upset about what happened and stayed by the children’s side throughout the ordeal,” said the city’s statement.
Local authorities have issued a formal apology to the families involved. “We express our full support to the parents and will assist them as best as we can,” the statement read. The city also pledged full transparency during the ongoing investigation and promised to communicate any new developments to the affected families and the public.
Parents whose children were involved in the incident have been contacted individually, and psychological support is being made available to both the families and the city staff involved.
“This was a very unfortunate incident during what should have been a joyful and carefree activity,” said a member of the city’s youth services. “We are treating the matter with the seriousness it deserves.”
Recreational bubble-making activities are commonly organised as part of youth engagement programmes and are generally regarded as safe. City officials noted that this was the first such incident in recent memory and that procedures would be thoroughly evaluated to restore public trust.
“This is a sobering reminder that even routine activities require constant vigilance,” said a city council member. “We are committed to ensuring the safety of every child who participates in our programmes.”
Medical staff at the hospital confirmed that all six children were monitored and treated for minor irritations, possibly caused by chemical exposure. They were kept under observation as a precaution and are likely to be discharged shortly.
As of Friday morning, no legal or disciplinary actions had been announced, pending the outcome of the internal review.
The city has encouraged any parents with concerns about youth programmes to reach out directly to the administration for reassurance and updates. Further information is expected to be made available in the coming days.
