Cypress Bay High School in Weston, Florida, was evacuated after a carbon monoxide leak in the cafeteria sent several employees and a firefighter to the hospital. Students were dismissed as the situation was brought under control.
Florida, Bollywood Fever: Students at Cypress Bay High School in Weston, Florida, were evacuated on Friday after a carbon monoxide leak in the cafeteria resulted in the hospitalization of several employees and a firefighter.
The incident has raised serious concerns among parents and students, leading to a swift response from emergency services.
The evacuation occurred after four workers and a firefighter began experiencing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, including headaches and nausea.
According to the City of Weston’s official post on X.com, three individuals initially reported feeling lightheaded in the cafeteria, triggering a rapid emergency response.
Carbon monoxide, a dangerous and invisible gas, is known for causing symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Prolonged exposure can be fatal if not addressed quickly.
Emergency services, including firefighters, arrived at the school around 10:30 a.m., where they detected elevated levels of carbon monoxide.
The City of Weston promptly reported that “all the gas to the building has been shut off” and that the cafeteria building was evacuated.
Fire Rescue teams, along with hazardous materials units from the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO), worked to secure a propane tank that supplies the school.
Although this propane tank is suspected to be the source of the leak, Chief Michael Kane, Fire Rescue spokesman, noted that the exact cause remains under investigation.
After securing the area and ventilating the building, carbon monoxide levels were brought back to normal. WestonFL Alert updated the public on X.com, stating: “Two HazMat teams have begun ventilation of the building and the Carbon Monoxide levels are now low.” Additional EMS units were also called in as more individuals were evaluated.
Despite the initial assurance that the school was safe, the decision was made to evacuate the premises entirely by noon. Students were dismissed for the day “out of an abundance of caution,” according to Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn. Dr. Hepburn also assured that efforts were underway to locate and fix the source of the leak to ensure the school could resume normal operations by Monday.
In total, eight individuals were affected by the leak and were treated at the Cleveland Clinic, where they were reported to be in stable condition.
The incident has left parents and students shaken. Parents expressed their concerns about the school’s communication and the potential dangers their children were exposed to. “We got a recorded message from the principal saying there was a gas leak in the cafeteria,” Danica Velickovich told CBS. “Then they told us to pick up our kids at 12. I was surprised because two of the recordings said they were safe.”
Students also shared their fears following the harrowing event. “I was scared. This is a really serious thing,” Isabel Santa Cruz said, reflecting the anxiety felt throughout the school community.
As the investigation continues, school officials and emergency responders are working to ensure the safety of everyone at Cypress Bay High School, with plans to fully rectify the situation before the start of the next school week.
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