[Updated] Kennedy Students Evacuated, Dismissed Early After Gas Main Struck

Updated
Students and faculty at Kennedy Middle School in Plantsville got an unexpected break from work late Wednesday morning after workers struck a gas main outside the South Main Street middle school.

Police and fire officials were dispatched to the 700 S. Main St. middle school shortly before 11:30 a.m. with reports of an odor of gas coming from the building.

The school was evacuated, officials said, and staff with New Britain Transportation have been called to provide buses as shelter. School staff indicated that further evacuations were needed nearby and the district dismissed students at 1:30 p.m.

Nearby Giggles and Grins Day Care was also evacuated as a precaution after reports that the smell of gas was apparent there as well, officials confirmed.

The section of South Main Street from Crescent Street to Mulberry Street was closed and detours were in place for passing motorists.

Fire officials said Yankee Gas is on scene to address issues with the leak. There were no injuries or illness reported as a result of the gas leak and despite smell, readings taken inside the school were negative.

Officials said workers outside the building were digging into the ground when they struck the pipe carrying gas to the building. The incident was deemed accidental and precautions are in place to quickly address the issue.

The building has been cleared of any safety hazards and students are expected to return to school Thursday.

Make sure to like Southington Patch on Facebook or follow on Twitter for breaking news, daily updates and more!