Crime & Safety

Lexington School Evacuated After Frightening 'Banging Bolt Syndrome'

Estabrook Elementary School students and staff fled after hearing a "loud bang" Thursday.

Estabrook Elementary School in Lexington was evacuated Thursday morning after a “frightening” bang shook the building.

No one was hurt. Classes were canceled so crews could conduct an inspection.

The cause of the noise was “bolt banging syndrome,” school officials said.

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“This condition occurs when bolted joints held in place by friction slip into bearing under load, which creates a loud and frightening noise,” school officials said in a statement. “This is all part of the structural design intent to allow structural components to expand and contract ... This phenomenon does not pose any threat.“

The school reopened Friday.

Find out what's happening in Lexingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Photo: The Estabrook Elementary School. (Credit: Lexington schools)

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