Taunton Classroom Evacuated After Hazmat Incident

TAUNTON (WBSM) — Seven students were sent to the hospital as a precaution after a hazardous materials incident at Taunton’s Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical High School today.

In a joint release, Taunton Fire Chief Steven Lavigne and Bristol-Plymouth Superintendent-Director Alexandre Magalhaes said that in all, 16 students and staff members were affected by the incident.

The fire department responded at about 1:48 p.m. today for possible hazardous material exposure in a standalone outer building that houses the biotechnology, dental and health programs after students reported a strong odor in the classroom.

According to the officials, there was no active chemical spill or leak, but the teacher removed the students and called 911.

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The Taunton Fire Department declared it a Tier 1 hazardous materials incident, the lowest level.

The 16 students and staff members were moved to an adjacent building, “where first responders evaluated them for minor symptoms, including dizziness and lightheadedness,” according to the officials.

Seven students were transported to Morton Hospital in Taunton for evaluation of minor symptoms, while the other students were released to their parents or guardians.

A Massachusetts Department of Fire Services' Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Division team responded to assist at the scene. The authorities said that during the follow-up investigation of the building, no unusual readings were detected

The Taunton Board of Health approved the building’s reopening, and classes will resume tomorrow as normal.

The cause of the incident remains under investigation.

"We are extremely thankful that no one was seriously injured as a result of this incident," Superintendent-Director Magalhaes said. "I would like to commend the teacher who quickly removed the students from the classroom to safety. We are grateful to the Taunton Fire Department for their prompt response."