Albert Gallatin Middle School Evacuated After 10 Students Sickened
UNIONTOWN (KDKA) -- Students at Albert Gallatin Middle School in Fayette County had an early dismissal today after several students and two staff members were sickened this morning.
According to the school district's Facebook page, it was an "isolated incident" that happened in the Albert Gallatin North Library.
The building was evacuated and students, teachers and staff were sent to the football field. The Hazmat team was called in.
According to Uniontown Hospital officials, 13 students and two adults are being treated at their facility. One of the kids is suffering from a heat-related illness, not believed to be associated with the other cases. None of the cases are serious.
District officials say in an update that "all air quality readings came back within the normal range."
A chalky smell was reported, causing some students to become lightheaded, KDKA's Ross Guidotti reported from the scene. Gas detectors were reportedly being brought in to check out the situation.
The district allowed the students back inside to gather their belongings once the building was deemed safe by authorities. Then, they were dismissed by bus around 12:30 p.m.
In addition to Hazmat, Fayette Emergency Management and other local emergency personnel were called to the scene.
On Facebook, district officials urged parents not to call the school because was jamming their phone lines. They are instead releasing updates as they become available.
The school district says classes will resume at the regular time on Monday morning.
Parents and Guardians of Albert Gallatin North Students: There was an isolated incident today in the Albert Gallatin...
Posted by Albert Gallatin Area School District on Friday, September 18, 2015
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