AURORA, W.Va. — A Preston County school was cleared to reopen after fumes sickened eight students and staff Monday, forcing an early dismissal, officials said.
“An issue with an outdoor HVAC unit caused another outdoor HVAC unit to circulate exhaust fumes from the faulty unit that initially presented with a ‘gas’ smell in one designated classroom at the school,” Preston County Schools Superintendent Bradley Martin wrote in a press release.
“The Preston 911 Center was contacted with a request to dispatch area fire departments to assist in assessing the issue at the school in consult with direct (maintenance) personnel.”
Preston County Emergency Management Director Justin Wolfe said that his center took a call at 9:18 a.m. reporting a possible gas leak in one of the rooms at the Aurora School, described as a kindergarten- through eighth-grade facility.
“Approximately one hour later at 10:48 a.m., communication from the school indicated that some students and staff members were showing signs of exposure to carbon monoxide, primarily reported as headaches,” Martin wrote.
Eight people were transported to Garrett Regional Medical Center in Oakland, Maryland, according to Wolfe.
Martin confirmed Tuesday it was a combination of students and staff transported.
The leak prompted a mass casualty declaration by emergency officials due to the number of available resources compared to the number of potential patients.
Preston County requested assistance from Garrett County, Maryland, according to Wolfe.
“Measures were taken to begin medically assessing students on site at the school and arrangements were made for an early dismissal of students at 12 p.m.,” Martin continued.
Wolfe said that approximately 25 students were exposed. These students were evaluated, released to their parents or transported to the hospital.
Schools in Preston County were closed Tuesday due to inclement weather.
“Preston County Schools representatives met with representatives from the State Fire Marshal’s Office (Tuesday) to allow for that office to also assess any concerns at the school and the fire marshal’s office has also cleared the school for occupancy,” Martin continued.
Martin wrote that 13 additional carbon monoxide detectors have been installed throughout the building to ensure early detection of potential carbon monoxide issues.
“District maintenance staff have already assessed the HVAC unit and the needed part for repair has been ordered. Alternative heating options will be used until the unit can be repaired,” Martin added.
Todd Bowman is a local and national journalist specializing in public safety news. Follow his work on all social media platforms @ThePeakedT.