Portsmouth High School Evacuated Over Suspicious Odor

PORTSMOUTH, RI — Portsmouth High School was evacuated Wednesday while emergency officials investigated a potential gas leak.

Several staff members reported they smelled a gas odor in the cafeteria, causing some to request medical attention, Superintendent Tom Kenworthy said.

"Due to the fact that multiple individuals requested medical attention and no timeframe could be determined for occupancy, out of an abundance of caution we initiated an early dismissal," Kenworthy said in a statement. "This only affected Portsmouth High School. The building has since been cleared and deemed safe for occupancy by Portsmouth Fire and RI Energy."

The condition of those people is not known at this time.

Students were sent home early from school as a precaution. The building has since been deemed safe, and students will return to the classroom Thursday.