Madison Elementary deemed safe after evacuation scare

From Staff Reports

Madison Elementary School was temporarily evacuated this morning after a gas odor was detected.

Students were allowed to return to the building around 9:30 a.m. after police and fire inspected the building and determined the leak came from an outside source.

According to school system spokesman John Peck, the investigation found that a utilities work crew responding to a water leak on Sullivan Street accidentally ruptured the gas line during the repairs. Authorities believe odor from that breach wafted into the school, causing the emergency decision to evacuate.

School buses were sent to transport the children to nearby Bob Jones High School auditorium, but that was unnecessary after officials ruled out danger. The building was ventilated and determined to be completely safe before children returned.

The Madison Police Department said northbound traffic on Sullivan Street will be diverted to Front Street to Mill Road as repairs are made to the gas line.