Elementary School Students Taking Graduation Photos Hospitalized with Abdominal Pain After Unexpected Incident

Showed Abdominal Pain and Vomiting After Eating Royal Azalea
Received Treatment After Being Taken to a Nearby Hospital

Four elementary school students who mistook Royal Azalea for edible azalea flowers consumed the toxic Royal Azalea and subsequently experienced symptoms such as abdominal pain and vomiting, requiring hospital treatment. On May 8, Yonhap News reported, citing the Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education and fire authorities, about the incident that occurred at an elementary school near Anseong, Gyeonggi Province. The previous day, at around 12:37 p.m., a 119 emergency call was received reporting that students at an elementary school in Oksan-dong, Anseong, Gyeonggi Province were complaining of abdominal pain.

The azalea flowers consumed by the students contain a toxic substance called grayanotoxin, which can cause vomiting and abdominal pain if ingested. In severe cases, it may even lead to respiratory distress. The photo is not related to the specific content of the article. Pixabay

At the time, 11 sixth-grade students from the elementary school were taking graduation album photos at a nearby park when they picked and consumed Royal Azalea flowers. Of these, four students complained of abdominal pain and vomiting and were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. It was reported that all of them are in stable condition with no risk to their lives. The remaining seven students did not show any particular symptoms. An official from the provincial office of education stated, "All affected students attended school as usual today," adding, "We will continue to provide guidance to all schools regarding toxic plants to prevent further incidents."

Azalea, which looks similar to Royal Azalea. Photo by Pixabay

Enlarged view of azalea. Pixabay

Meanwhile, the Royal Azalea flowers consumed by the students contain a toxic substance called grayanotoxin, which can cause vomiting and abdominal pain if ingested. In severe cases, it may even lead to respiratory distress. According to the National Institute of Biological Resources, Royal Azalea is classified in the same genus and family as azalea, but it is a different species. Azalea flowers are edible and can be used to make flower pancakes or preserved in honey, and are also used in traditional medicine. To distinguish between Royal Azalea and azalea, one should look at the leaves. Azalea flowers bloom before the leaves emerge, so the flowers usually appear on bare branches. In contrast, Royal Azalea blooms with both leaves and flowers appearing at the same time.