Gas leak at Woodbury high school prompts evacuation
A suspected natural gas leak today at East Ridge High School in Woodbury, Minn., prompted school officials to send its 1,800 students home.
But after a review by Woodbury Public Safety and Xcel Energy, the source of the odor was identified as a nearby construction site. The school was deemed safe.
A statement on the South Washington County Schools' website said students could re-enter the high school to retrieve belongings until 6:30p Friday.
The statement also said "all after school and evening activities will be held as scheduled."
South Washington School District spokeswoman Madeline Saxler said the school released students at 1 p.m.
School officials evacuated the building about 11:30 a.m. after they discovered a natural gas odor permeating the building, Saxler said. The students were evacuated to Beilenberg Sports Complex and Five Oaks Church, two buildings nearby.
Buses transported the students home.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.