Thompson School Complex Evacuated After Illness Complaints

THOMPSON, CT — Emergency personnel were summoned to a local school complex Thursday morning after a dozen people reported feeling ill.

Assistant Fire Chief Evan Faucher said the 12 people were transported to area hospitals for evaluation after experiencing symptoms.

While emergency personnel were initially dispatched at 9:37 a.m. for a potential suspected carbon monoxide incident, fire officials found no evidence of the poisonous gas, he said.

The call was for the school complex at 785 Riverside Dr., which includes the town’s high school, middle and elementary school.

“There were no odors and negative readings (for carbon monoxide),” Faucher said.

As of 11 a.m., the building had been deemed to be safe and people were allowed back inside. The cause of the symptoms is under investigation.

Superintendent of Schools Melinda Smith said the 12 individuals had been in the middle school section at the time. The individuals who felt ill were with Bradley School Windham County, an independent program which uses space within the middle school building, Smith said.

They complained of nausea and shortness of breath, according to Smith.

“Out of an abundance of caution, the 12 people, which included students and staff, were sent to area hospitals to be checked out,” Smith said.

Smith said an exhaust fan was not operating in the vicinity, and it is being repaired. However, she said it isn’t clear if it was related to the individuals’ symptoms.

The entire campus was evacuated, or staff and about 800 students, according to Smith. She estimated that everyone was back to class in about 90 minutes.

Day Kimball Health confirmed Thursday afternoon that five students were taken to its emergency department, received medical care, and had been discharged. The hospital indicated it is cooperating with local first responders as they investigate the cause of the incident.

The seven remaining individuals were taken to other area hospitals. Officials said everyone was expected to be fine and released on Thursday.