Belen school evacuated due to ‘odor,’ 2 taken to hospital
BELEN, N.M. (KRQE) – Central Elementary School in Belen was evacuated on Tuesday due to a “gas smell,” according to a Facebook post by Belen Consolidated Schools. The Valencia County Fire Department said two people were taken to the hospital, and other individuals were assessed on scene.
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The Belen Fire Department ordered the evacuation as a precaution, and families were asked to pick up the nearly 200 students who were dismissed early, Belen Consolidated Schools said. The area around Central Elementary was blocked off.
At least one adult and one student were taken to the hospital for further medical care, according to Belen Mayor Robert Noblin.
Lawrence Sanchez, superintendent of Belen Consolidated Schools, said students and staff noticed the odor when they arrived at school in the morning. Sanchez said three students and a staff member started experiencing symptoms. “Talking to the fire department, they just said that they were experiencing symptoms that can correspond with anybody that’s been exposed to a gas leak,” Sanchez said.
At least 60 students were checked out on the scene. The New Mexico Gas Company arrived at the school to assess the situation. School officials directed parents to monitor the school’s website and app for updates on Wednesday’s attendance plan.
