Twenty-seven students sent to hospital; suspected carbon monoxide exposure
Springfield Public School administration evacuated students and staff this morning (Thursday, February 6) to the Springfield Community Center after several students fell ill. By afternoon, a total of 27 Springfield Public Elementary School students were treated at Mayo Health System, Springfield, for possible carbon monoxide exposure.
Initially, three students were taken by Springfield ambulance to the hospital, while the others arrived with parents after being checked out by ambulance staff at the Community Center.
The first call for assistance came in at 9:42 a.m., with information about the three students feeling ill in the school auditorium. At that time, fifth- and sixth-grade students were rehearsing for a music program to be given this evening.
The Springfield Fire Department and the Springfield Utilities Department – plus Centerpoint Energy – were called in to make sure the school was completely evacuated and locked down. Centerpoint Energy personnel then went into the school to assess the levels of carbon monoxide, or any other gases, that may be present.