Fluid Leak Prompts York High Closure Friday

ELMHURST, IL – York High School was evacuated shortly after it opened Friday morning, with officials reporting a "strong gas smell."

In a statement to families about 8:30 a.m. Friday, the school said the fire department determined it was not safe for students and staff to return. School was canceled for the day.

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Late Friday afternoon, the school's co-principal, Linda Yonke, said the leak was fluid, not gas.

"Early this morning, a valve connected to one of the school's boilers malfunctioned, causing a leak of glycol, a fluid used in the building's heating and cooling system," Yonke said. "Although the leak was promptly addressed, the resulting odor spread through the ventilation system in the academic wing."

She said the fire department and service technicians confirmed the odor did not pose a danger to students or staff during the limited time they were exposed.

"However, due to the strength of the odor, there was a significant likelihood that prolonged exposure could result in symptoms such as headaches and nausea," Yonke said.

She said the affected area was cleaned, and building and grounds staff ventilated the building to clear any remaining odor.

The school sent its statements to families, but not to the wider public and media.

The school has about 2,600 students.