Highlands Elementary students briefly evacuated because of natural gas odor
Students were evacuated from Highlands Elementary School for about a half-hour Friday morning.
School officials sent students to the playground across the street after a strong smell of natural gas was detected around 10:15 a.m.
Firefighters and gas company crews responded but found no problems at the school, officials said.
Highlands Elementary Parents: Due to a strong gas odor in the building, students and staff were safely evacuated to the playground at about 10:15am. The fire dept. and gas company are currently on-site to assess the issue. The school will keep parents posted with any updates.
— Highlands SD (@HighlandsSD) May 17, 2019
Students were allowed back inside by 11 a.m. to resume their day. About 725 students in first through fourth grades attend the school.
No injuries were reported.
An odor of gas had been detected in the basement and on the first floor, Highlands police Officer Jeffrey Sheldon said. Highland Hose fire Chief Terry Chambon said they did not detect any gas using meters.
Update: After an extensive building check, the fire department and gas company determined that there was nothing of concern in the Highlands Elementary School building. It is safe for students and staff to re-enter the building and resume the school day.
— Highlands SD (@HighlandsSD) May 17, 2019
Brian C. Rittmeyer is a TribLive reporter covering news in New Kensington, Arnold and Plum. A Pittsburgh native and graduate of Penn State University's Schreyer Honors College, Brian has been with the Trib since December 2000. He can be reached at brittmeyer@triblive.com.
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