Officials in a Connecticut school district are working to determine what caused 12 individuals to become ill at a middle school in Thompson. The incident, which took place on Thursday morning, led to an emergency response from local authorities and medical personnel. The students and staff members who became sick were treated and transported to three different hospitals for evaluation. Although the cause of the illness is still under investigation, officials have reassured the community that the school building is now safe and efforts are underway to ensure its continued safety.
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Details of the Incident
At around 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, emergency crews were called to Thompson Public Schools after 12 people reported feeling unwell. Among those affected, five students were taken to Day Kimball Hospital, where they were evaluated and later discharged after receiving medical care. The main symptom reported was nausea, with other symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and chest pains also observed. Thankfully, all individuals involved, including students and staff, have been reported to be in stable condition.
Superintendent Melinda Smith addressed the situation, explaining that families were promptly notified about the incident. “We provided information to families as soon as we could,” she told WFSB, noting that the district communicated with families through four text messages and one phone call, helping ease concerns during the event. The district’s transparency was appreciated by parents, many of whom were understandably anxious about the well-being of their children.
Community Reactions and Evacuation
The sight of a fire truck outside Tourtellotte Memorial High School in North Grosvenordale raised immediate concerns for residents, but it was quickly clarified that the primary response was focused on Thompson Middle School. In response to the emergency, all students and staff from the district’s schools were evacuated for about an hour and a half, with many parents picking up their children directly from the school. Cora Grider, a local resident, recalled receiving a voicemail alert about the evacuation, which initially caused anxiety but ended in relief once she knew her grandchildren were safe.
Matthew and Emily Gomes, parents of students in the district, expressed gratitude for the district’s communication. “I’m glad we got both phone calls and text messages and emails; they kept us up to date. That’s super great for them to do, and that makes me feel better having our children in the school system,” they shared.
Investigation into the Cause
As the investigation into the cause of the illness continued, Superintendent Smith confirmed that a failure in the exhaust fan and ventilation unit was found in the classroom where the incident occurred. Repairs were underway, and first responders who assessed the situation confirmed that the classroom environment was safe. However, there was speculation about whether this issue contributed to the health concerns experienced by students and staff.
Smith quickly ruled out carbon monoxide exposure as a cause. After an assessment of the school’s boiler area by the town’s building inspector, it was confirmed that no carbon monoxide was present in the school, providing reassurance to both school officials and the community. Despite this, some members of the public continued to question if carbon monoxide might have played a role in the symptoms.
Further Testing and Findings
On Friday, a more thorough investigation was conducted by the fire marshal and firefighters, who used specialized equipment to detect harmful gases like carbon monoxide. Fire Marshal James Seney shared the results, confirming that no harmful levels of carbon monoxide were found in any of the classrooms. The meters used to measure the gas were frequently calibrated to ensure accuracy. “They used multiple meters within the complex to get readings and found no readings in the area where the issue occurred,” Seney said, underscoring the reliability of the testing.
Despite these findings, some individuals remained cautious. WFSB spoke to a person close to one of the victims, who mentioned that their loved one was doing better but still experiencing symptoms such as brain fog and chest pains. “They’re doing a lot better now. They still have brain fog and chest pains… just kind of trying to take it easy,” the individual said, suggesting a slow recovery for those affected.
A discharge report from UMass Harrington Hospital indicated that one of the victims had been diagnosed with carbon monoxide exposure, though the levels were deemed to be low and not dangerous. “If it was a higher concentration, then it would’ve been a concern to us. But it was low enough that it’s a permissible level,” said Seney, downplaying concerns over carbon monoxide exposure.
Next Steps and Precautions
Although carbon monoxide has been ruled out as a significant factor, the fire marshal recommended the installation of additional carbon monoxide detectors in the classrooms to ensure the safety of all on campus. These precautions are meant to provide peace of mind to the school community and prevent future incidents, even though no immediate danger has been identified.
The mystery surrounding the cause of the illness has left the community with many unanswered questions, but school and town leaders are committed to resolving the issue. As the investigation continues, local authorities are focused on ensuring the safety of students and staff at Thompson Public Schools.
Community Support and Safety Measures
While the investigation continues, the community is rallying to support those affected and to ensure the school environment remains safe. The district’s efforts to maintain clear and timely communication have been widely appreciated, and the residents of Thompson are hopeful for a resolution. As new information becomes available, officials remain focused on ensuring that students, staff, and the community at large remain safe.
Conclusion
The situation at Thompson Middle School serves as a reminder of the importance of effective communication and thorough investigation during unexpected health incidents. While the cause of the illness is still under investigation, the steps taken by local authorities to address the issue and reassure the public have been essential. As the community awaits further clarity, they remain committed to ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all.
