Six Seymour High School students were treated and released from Griffin Hospital Monday following a propane gas leak in the science wing of the school on Botsford Road.
The students had complained of feeling lightheaded and dizzy, said Deputy Fire Marshal Timm Willis, who gave a press conference at the scene.
“I am glad to report that all students were released to their parents and are feeling fine,” said Schools Superintendent MaryAnne Mascolo, in an email statement. She said the hospital visit was a precautionary measure.
The students were released from Griffin just before 2 p.m.
The propane leak was reported about 11 a.m., and forced the evacuation of roughly 700 of the school’s students onto the football field. School officials pulled the fire alarm to evacuate the building, fire officials said.
As of noon, the fire department was ventilating the building, according to EMS Chief Scott Andrews. Then by 12:15 p.m., Willis declared the building safe for students to re-enter.
A school security officer said the propane odor had been “very strong.”
Following is the full statement from Mascolo:
‘Today at approximately 11:00 a.m. Seymour High School was evacuated due to a propane gas smell in the science wing. Students who felt ill were examined by Emergency Services personnel and six of the students were sent to Griffin Hospital as a precautionary measure. I am glad to report that all students were released to their parents and are feeling fine.”
“After checking the air quality with gas meters, the Fire Department as well as the Suburban Gas Company determined that the school was safe for students and staff to re-enter at approximately 12:25 p.m. Suburban Gas Company staff will return to the high school at the end of the day to determine the cause of the smell and take appropriate actions.”
At the scene, Andrews said the fire department had shut down the propane tank connection the school.
One person declined medical treatment at the scene.
Firefighters used air meters to check the air quality throughout the building. Those readings determined the air was safe.
Police had blocked the entrance to the high school campus while firefighters investigated. Ambulance crews from surrounding towns were called to the high school to assist.
The propane is used for the Bunsen burners in the science class, a fire official said.