Panic Inside a High School in Seine-et-Marne: Mortar Fireworks Invade Hallways and Classrooms

Several educational institutions across the Île-de-France region witnessed acts of violence and vandalism on Monday, November 9, marked by firecracker attacks and pyrotechnic mortar rounds fired inside high schools, triggering panic among students and teachers. Jehan de Chelles High School in Seine-et-Marne was at the center of attention following the circulation of video footage documenting moments of terror inside corridors and classrooms.

Wave of violence hits Île-de-France schools

Classes were disrupted in approximately 50 high schools across the Île-de-France region on Monday, November 9, amid an ongoing youth protest movement following government statements that protesters deemed inadequate.

Although regional authorities confirmed they managed to thwart multiple blockade attempts against educational institutions, the situation escalated dramatically with around 40 mortar attacks recorded throughout the day, including about 15 inside high schools.

Harrowing scenes inside Jehan de Chelles high school

In the town of Chelles, located in the Seine-et-Marne department, students at Jehan de Chelles High School endured hours of terror following the discharge of mortars and fireworks inside the school facility.

Widely circulated videos on social media showed fireworks fired down a school corridor directly at students from close range, while some pupils recorded the scene on their phones before fleeing in search of safety.

At the same time, alarms sounded across the facility, and an emergency lockdown was declared, with the administration instructing students and educational staff to remain inside classrooms for their safety.

Other recordings captured pyrotechnic projectiles fired inside a classroom, where terrified students took cover behind desks and chairs at the back of the room before rushing outside once the explosions ceased, amid screams and chaotic scenes.

Images were also shared showing crowds of students running through hallways attempting to take cover, while teachers and staff worked to steer them away from danger zones.

Injuries and arrests of minors

These incidents were not isolated; the town of Chelles also saw two students lightly injured at Louis Lumière High School following firework mortar launches around midday.

Following the incident, authorities detained three underage students suspected of involvement in these events.

Across the entire Île-de-France region, the attacks left six people injured inside educational institutions: four students, a teaching assistant, and a student supervisor.

Tightening security measures

In response to the escalating violence, a decree issued by the Seine-et-Marne prefecture took effect at 6:00 a.m. on Monday, regulating the purchase, sale, transport, carrying, and use of fireworks and pyrotechnic substances.

Through these measures, authorities seek to curb the use of pyrotechnic mortars, which have become a genuine threat inside a number of educational institutions in recent days.

Regional official: "They are no longer protesters, but vandals"

James Chéron, Vice President of the Île-de-France region in charge of high schools, strongly condemned the events, asserting that the situation had gone beyond the bounds of protest. He said that those involved "are not protesters making demands, but masked vandals, some wearing helmets, who come to schools to vandalize them and prevent classes from taking place," emphasizing that such behavior has become "intolerable."

Acts of vandalism across several French cities

The violence extended to other schools across the region.

At Théodore Monod High School in Noisy-le-Sec, Seine-Saint-Denis, an entrance gate and another access barrier were vandalized.

At Jacques Brel High School in Choisy-le-Roi, Val-de-Marne, a gate was destroyed.

In Longperrier, Seine-et-Marne, an arson attempt at Charles de Gaulle High School was thwarted.

In the city of Le Blanc-Mesnil, municipal officials reported that fireworks were launched near a high school while third-grade elementary pupils were engaged in activities inside an adjacent gymnasium. The incident resulted in injuries to several pupils; a teacher sustained burns, and a child suffered a scratch to the ear.

Mounting concern over security in educational institutions

These repeated incidents are raising heightened concerns regarding safety in Île-de-France high schools, particularly as violence has moved from school perimeters directly into classrooms and corridors. While security forces continue their investigations and implement exceptional measures to contain the phenomenon, education officials are calling for reinforced protection to ensure the safety of students and educational staff within schools.

France News.