FOUR HOSPITALIZED IN CHEMICAL INCIDENT AT BROOKLINE HIGH SCHOOL
ALL STUDENTS DISMISSED AFTER INCIDENT
The Public Schools of Brookline have released the following statement:
Statement on Early Dismissal at Brookline High School due to Chemical Incident
Earlier today, Brookline High School staff were made aware of a chemical irritant found inside the 115 Greenough Street building near a first-floor bathroom close to the cafeteria. All students and staff were swiftly evacuated outside at approximately 11:47 a.m. School administrators subsequently contacted emergency response personnel who responded to the scene.
The Brookline Fire Department (BFD), Brookline Police Department, Public Health officers, and Emergency Medical Services arrived on-site to identify the issue. The BFD is currently clearing and ventilating the affected area now. Air quality is also being monitored. Boston Hazmat is also present at the scene to further evaluate the situation.
In consultation with emergency and public health officials, we are ending the school day early and dismissing all BHS students and staff at this time. Parents, guardians, and caregivers can pick up their students in front of the 115 Greenough Street campus and should follow the police presence in the area.
We are also aware that at least two students and two staff members have been transported to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment. Their families have also been contacted by BHS staff. Medical staff is currently present on-site to evaluate and treat individuals with minor symptoms. A member of the student health services team will contact you directly should your student require specific medical attention or care.
All other PSB schools and school facilities are unaffected. We will update you with more information as we work to resolve this incident.
The initial statement has since been updated with the following:
Statement on Early Dismissal at Brookline High School due to Chemical Incident: Update #1
We write with an update and some important clarifications regarding today’s evacuation and eventual dismissal due to a chemical irritant that was found inside Brookline High School.
As of 3:00 p.m., the building has been deemed safe by Brookline Public Health in consultation with Boston Hazmat. In the event that students or staff are experiencing eye or throat irritation or other respiratory symptoms this afternoon or evening, we recommend you reach out to your healthcare provider.
Brookline High School will be open tomorrow (Friday, November 4), and classes will resume as scheduled.
In addition, this today’s extracurricular events at BHS will proceed as scheduled. This means athletic practices and competitions, the Fall Play (Puffs), and Race Reels will occur this afternoon and evening.
Brookline Adult & Community Education (BA&CE) classes will also continue as scheduled.
We are grateful to our students and staff for their quick evacuation and patience as we worked to evaluate the situation. We are also thankful for the district and town partners who responded and supported our school community.
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