SMITHFIELD – Multiple emergency units responded to Johnston County Public Schools Choice Plus Academy this morning (Wednesday) for a reported gas leak.
JCPS officials said a mechanical issue caused a gas leak outside the building, located at 501 South Second Street.
Smithfield Fire Chief Jeremey Daughtry said school maintenance staff were on the scene and had shut off the natural gas going to the building when they arrived. Fire crews went through the Choice Plus Academy with monitoring devices but did not locate any active leaks.
While at the scene, fire and EMS personnel located several individuals who indicated they did not feel well.
A total of 19 people were evaluated by EMS at the scene for symptoms including nausea and headaches. Eight were transported by ambulance to Johnston Medical Center in Smithfield. Of that number, five were students and three were faculty members, according to Josh Holloman, Johnston County Deputy Director of Emergency Services.
A Command Post was established outside the school to manage numerous emergency vehicles and personnel.
Johnston County Emergency Services Director Kevin Hubbard said 16 ambulances, three district supervisors, one battalion chief, two fire marshal representatives, and three emergency management staff responded. Altogether there were 36 Johnston County EMS personnel and 8 Smithfield Fire personnel at the scene.
Richard Carr, Interim Executive Director of Communications for JCPS said the Choice Plus Academy was dismissed early today due to the gas leak.
Prayers for everyone to feel better.