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NOON UPDATE
Smith Elementary students and staff have returned to class after an evacuation due to a gas odor.
The evacuation occurred around 9 a.m. after the odor of gas was detected at the front of the school building, according to Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. communications coordinator Josh Burnett. Students and staff were cleared to re-enter the school a little before noon.
Smith Elementary families were notified of the evacuation and re-entry via ParentSquare.
“After working with CenterPoint/Citizens Gas and Columbus Fire Department, no gas leaks were found at Smith Elementary and was deemed safe for all to return into the building,” the school corp. wrote in its second message. “We appreciate your patience as we worked to make sure all are safe. We are resuming normal school activities.”
ORIGINAL STORY
COLUMBUS, Ind. — Students and staff at Smith Elementary have been evacuated due to concerns about a potential gas problem.
“After smelling a gas odor and out of caution, all students and staff have been evacuated out to the blacktop,” the school corporation stated in a ParentSquare message to Smith Elementary families. “Citizens Gas and Columbus Fire Department are currently assisting and we will be in touch with you as soon as we are able to re-enter the building.”
The evacuation occurred around 9 a.m., according to Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. communications coordinator Josh Burnett. The odor was detected at the front of the school building. As of 9:30 a.m., the gas company and CFD were still in the process of investigating the building’s exterior, having already checked the interior.
BCSC officials plan to send another message over ParentSquare once the matter is resolved.
