Woman Crashes Jeep Into Side Of Staples High School

WESTPORT, CT — A Jeep Wrangler crashed into the side of Staples High School Wednesday morning, causing a gas leak that temporarily shut down the school, according to Westport police.

No injuries were reported, and students were let back into the school by 9 a.m., according to Westport police.

"We received several 911 calls this morning around 7:35 advising of a crash at Staples involving a vehicle into the building," said Westport Police Lt. Eric Woods in an email to Patch. "The School Resource Officer was immediately on scene and advised that he could smell the odor of gas. Westport FD was advised and responded. Staples High School was evacuated as a precaution and the gas company responded to mitigate the leak. There were no injuries involved and no students/staff were in the affected part of the school. The school has since been reopened."

According to Westport Assistant Fire Chief Jeffrey Gootman, the driver of the Jeep was "an adult woman," who inadvertently drove the vehicle through the wall into the building. The rear of the Jeep reportedly could be seen sticking out of the building.

"The fire department arrived and found gas actively leaking from a classroom kitchen," Gootman said. "The woman was not injured and was out of the vehicle when the fire department arrived. The gas was quickly shut off and multiple fans were used to ventilate the gas from the building."

Authorities issued a traffic advisory for North Avenue soon after the crash occurred Wednesday morning, urging motorists to avoid the area due to the gas leak and traffic congestion. That advisory was lifted by 9 a.m.