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Field Trip Nightmare: Dozens Sick After Movie Snacks
22 May
Summary
- Dozens of elementary students fell ill after consuming snacks during a field trip.
- The incident occurred at a local cinema, prompting health department investigation.
- Parents are seeking answers and accountability for the students' sudden sickness.
Approximately 180 elementary students from Eugene Sires Elementary School experienced sudden illness, marked by vomiting, during a recent field trip to a Cinemark theater on Ladson Road. The incident, which occurred recently, involved three dozen students becoming sick shortly after consuming movie snacks. School district nursing staff and EMS were promptly dispatched to assess the students, who were then taken back to campus for treatment by the school nurse and EMS.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health has been notified and is currently investigating the cause of the widespread sickness. Despite the ongoing investigation, the cinema previously received an 'A' rating in its most recent inspection in February 2025, and all prior reports also showed similar high ratings. Parents, like Ashley Williams, are seeking clarity and accountability for the incident.
School district officials have stated they are not leading the investigation and are deferring to the agencies responsible for overseeing commercial businesses and food vendors. While the affected students have recovered, parents remain concerned about the lack of definitive answers. The district has assured parents that student safety is a top priority and is working to keep families informed.
