Bicol University vows 'prompt action' after hundreds suffocate from smoke bombs during event
Bicol University said that they are taking "prompt action" after hundreds of its students who participated in their Hataw 2025 event suffered from hyperventilation and suffocation due to smoke bombs.
The event meant to usher in the school's intramurals took place on the evening of Oct. 20. During a cheer dance routine, smoke bombs were reportedly released in excessive amounts, causing many students to experience difficulty breathing, dizziness, and even collapse.
In a Facebook post, one of the students present described it as a "very traumatic experience."
"We were excited kasi this was supposed to be one of the best Hataw memories, lalo na third year na ako. But then, something scary happened. Biglang may nagtapon ng color smoke bomb malapit sa amin. At first, akala ko okay lang, part lang ng celebration. But the smoke became too much sobrang kapal, wala na akong makita. I started to feel dizzy and my eyes were hurting," she said.
"I have sensitive lungs, so it was hard for me to breathe. My classmate told me, 'Umalis ka muna, ang lala na.' Akala namin 'yung small lang siya na smoke bomb na hindi kumakalat. I tried to move away, pero hindi ko na kaya. Everything felt blurry. I don’t remember what happened next, pero ang alam ko na lang, may bumitbit sa akin papunta sa clinic," she added.
Following the incident, the Bicol University administration has issued a statement underscoring that it is now focusing all its efforts on the urgent needs of the affected students, personnel, and other stakeholders.
"The University, through its various units and offices, is continuously taking decisive and compassionate action to address the situation and safeguard the welfare of all those affected," they said.
According to them, they have now formed a dedicated task force that will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the BU Hataw color smoke incident, wherein it will review relevant circumstances and recommend appropriate actions to ensure proper accountability and maintain transparency throughout the process.
They have also initiated medical consultations for affected individuals and are actively coordinating with partner hospitals and clinics to ensure proper medical attention and follow-up care are provided.
Additionally, Bicol University is also in coordination with local government agencies and is continuously extending "immediate and necessary medical, financial, and psychosocial assistance" to all affected students and personnel.
"We ask for your continued understanding, support, and cooperation as we address this matter with care and accountability, and commit to continuous improvement of our systems and processes," they said.
