Sewage Gas Smell Prompts Medford High School Evacuation

MEDFORD, MA — The city’s high school was evacuated and closed Monday morning after a strong sewage gas smell was detected inside the building, according to Medford Public Schools.

The Medford Fire Department was called to the school at approximately 11 a.m. to inspect a strong sewer smell in the B2 hallway. Shortly after, students and staff were instructed to evacuate, and the building was closed for the remainder of the day due to the sewage gas smell. No injuries were reported.

“MHS students and staff have been safely dismissed for the day,” the district said in an initial statement. “All other schools will proceed with a normal school day.”

A contracted drain company was called to the school and identified and unclogged the sewage backup. A cleaning company was also brought in to clean sewage in the high school’s mechanical room and mitigate the smell in affected areas of the building. The Medford Fire, Police, and Water Departments were all on site Monday to oversee the response.

Medford Public Schools announced later Monday that the high school will reopen Tuesday, Oct. 6. All classes, activities, programs, and events are expected to take place as previously scheduled.

The district also said Monday’s shortened school day will count toward the state’s 180-day school requirement and will not need to be made up.

“Thank you to our MPS staff members & facilities team, first responders and our contracted cleaning & transportation partners for their response to today’s sudden situation,” Superintendent Suzanne Galusi, Chief Operations Officer Ken Lord and MHS Principal Marta Cabral said in the update. “Additionally, thank you to our students, staff, and caregivers for their patience and understanding exiting the building in a safe and timely manner.”

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