Possible chemical release at Fayette County middle school sickens several people
Sept. 18--Several people were taken to Uniontown Hospital for treatment when a possible chemical release forced evacuation of Albert Gallatin North Middle School in Fayette County on Friday morning, authorities said.
Hazardous materials teams, state police, fire departments and ambulance services went to the school at 113 College Ave. in response to a call at 10:20 a.m., a Fayette County 911 supervisor said.
An emergency alert referred to the problem as a possible chemical release.
Spokesman Josh Krysak said at 1:45 p.m. that the hospital was treating 13 students and two adults from the German Township school for respiratory problems.
One of the children was being treated for heat-related illness not believed to be associated with the other cases.
"The patients were transported to our facility by Fayette EMS ambulances shortly after 11 a.m. None of the patients are considered to be in serious condition," Krysak said. "Hospital staff remain in regular communication with officials at the school as they continue to try and determine a cause for the incident."
School district Superintendent Carl Bezjak did not immediately return a call for comment.
Mary Pickels is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 724-836-5401 or mpickels@tribweb.com..
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