Construction crew hits gas line, forcing evacuation of students from two Bedford schools
Students at Mt. Kisco Elementary School and the Hillside Alternative School were evacuated as a precaution and transported to the Fox Lane campus while officials addressed the situation.
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Students from Mount Kisco Elementary School and the Hillside Alternative School were evacuated Thursday morning after construction contractors struck a gas line on a nearby street, according to Bedford police and school officials.
The district said a strong gas-like odor was detected inside and outside Mount Kisco Elementary School. After learning contractors had hit a gas line in the area, officials began transporting students from both schools by bus to the Fox Lane High School auditorium as a precaution.
Superintendent Dr. Glass said students were safe and remained with teachers and administrators. District officials urged parents not to come to the Fox Lane campus while a reunification plan is developed, if needed.
Police said no injuries were reported. The district later said EMS crews evaluated students and staff at the scene and cleared them. Three school nurses were assigned to Fox Lane High School to assist with any medical needs.
Mount Kisco Elementary students are being held in the auditorium, with bathrooms reserved for their use. School officials said they are awaiting additional information from first responders to determine whether students can safely return to Mount Kisco Elementary and Hillside.
If conditions are not deemed safe, the district said it will communicate a parent reunification plan.
Officials also advised parents to begin considering pickup arrangements should reunification become necessary, noting that nearby homes could also be affected by the incident.
