O’Fallon school evacuated due to gas leak, 25 students sent to hospital
UPDATE 4 P.M. - This article was updated to reflect conflicting information about what made the children ill.
St. Clare Catholic School in O’Fallon was evacuated and classes canceled Thursday after students reported feeling sick during an all-school Mass in the gymnasium, according to police.
But the source of the illnesses isn’t clear.
The O’Fallon Public Safety Department cites a gas leak from a loose fitting on a stove in the school’s cafeteria. A representative of Ameren Illinois, however, is blaming carbon monoxide emissions from a rooftop furnace on the gym.
Students were evacuated to the chapel in the old St. Clare Church across the street from the school at 214 W. Third St. Twenty five of them went to a local hospital for treatment, according to a release from O’Fallon police.
“None of the student experienced any life threatening symptoms,” the release said.
O’Fallon Fire and Rescue did not detect any levels of carbon monoxide while on scene, according to a release issued Thursday afternoon. Ameren Gas turned off gas to all the kitchen appliances as O’Fallon-Shiloh EMS, O’Fallon Fire and Rescue and O’Fallon police coordinated efforts with St. Clare staff to triage students who were experiencing symptoms and notify their parents.
“There were small leaks — and when I say small, I mean very small — in the kitchen and boiler room. I can confirm that,” said Brian Bretsch of Ameren Illinois. “At this point, we’re still trying to determine what caused the students to become sick and we’re very grateful that there are no serious illnesses or injuries.”
Fire Chief Brad White said the school was equipped with carbon monoxide detectors in both the gymnasium and boiler room and neither activated.
Several EMS agencies assisted in transporting 17 of the students from the scene to local hospitals, according to the release. Seven of the children were taken to hospitals by their parents, it said.
Police didn’t specify the nature of the symptoms students were experiencing, but Fire Chief Brad White said two of them fainted.
According to Ameren, people exposed carbon monoxide may feel flu-like symptoms with headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue and loss of consciousness. Natural gas, while not toxic, can reduce oxygen intake in people and cause dizziness and fainting, according to healthline.com.
In addition to Ameren and O’Fallon public safety workers, Fairview Heights and Scott Air Force Base fire departments, Medstar EMS, Abbott EMS, Millstadt EMS, Rural Med EMS, Mascoutah EMS, New Baden EMS and St. Clair County EMS responded to provide emergency assistance.
“We are very fortunate to have first responders throughout the area who respond at a moments notice when we need them,” said O’Fallon Police Chief Kirk Brueggeman said. “We would also like to commend the administration and staff at St Clare School for their professionalism and proficiency in handling an extremely stressful situation.”
If you suspect a gas leak at your home or place of business, Ameren Illinois advises calling 1-800-755-5000 immediately.
