Chelles:Paris A former student caused chaos at a high school near Paris by setting off fireworks inside the building on Monday, leading to injuries and panic among students and teachers.

According to Thai News Agency, the individual, a teenager who once attended Liège Louis-Lumière high school in Chelles, Seine-et-Marne, broke into the school and ignited fireworks, including large pyrotechnics, during class hours.

The fireworks explosion resulted in thick smoke and flames, forcing some students to use their desks as makeshift shields before escaping. Several students sustained injuries, such as ringing in their ears. In response to the incident, authorities sounded the emergency alarm to evacuate the premises and ordered the school to close temporarily while implementing heightened security measures. There is currently no confirmation on the apprehension of the perpetrator.

This event marks the second school-related act of vandalism in the area within a month. In a previous incident at a nearby school, the deputy mayor was struck in the chest with a Molotov cocktail while assisting staff with reopening classes.

The turmoil occurs amidst ongoing violent protests by French youth, which began in late September. These protests are against issues such as teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, deteriorating school infrastructure, and education budget cuts. The Minister of Education reported that 245 educators have been injured since the protests commenced. While student unions have condemned the violence, they attribute the unrest to the government's failure to address their demands. Students and trade unions are planning another significant nationwide demonstration on November 17.