Town Of Wakefield: UPDATE: Northeast Metro Tech Dismissed Due To Propane Leak. No Injuries Reported

Press release from the Town of Wakefield:

September 9, 2021 - 12:29pm

UPDATE: 9/9/21, 6:03 p.m.Superintendent David DiBarri wishes to announce that classes at Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High School have been canceled on Friday to allow contractors to repair a propane gas line inside the building.

Classes were canceled on Thursday following reports that an odor of propane had been detected inside the building before the start of classes. No injuries or illnesses were reported. Arriving students were held outside, then moved to nearby Wakefield High School for dismissal.

Wakefield Fire Department first responders determined the leak was in the area of the metal shop.

Contractors Eastern Propane and New England Propane will be working through Friday to repair the leak and ensure classes resume on Monday.

"Thank you to the Wakefield Fire Department for its quick and thorough response. Our students, faculty and staff should be recognized for reacting calmly during a tense situation," Superintendent DiBarri said. "We look forward to seeing everyone back in school on Monday morning."____

Superintendent David DiBarri and Fire Chief Michael Sullivan report that Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High School was evacuated shortly before the start of the school day on Thursday due to a propane leak. No injuries or illnesses have been reported. No fire or damage to the building has occurred. Classes have been canceled for the day.

The Wakefield Fire Department received a call at 7:09 a.m. that an odor of propane had been detected in the building; the school operates with propane gas. First responders determined upon arrival that the odor was emanating from the area where metal fabrication classes are taught.

First responders removed staff from the building, and held arriving students outside. Propane connections have been shut off, and the building has been vented. Students were moved to nearby Wakefield High School, where school officials are arranging transportation.

The source of the leak is still under investigation by the Wakefield Fire Department. 

This press release was produced by the Town of Wakefield.The views expressed here are the author’s own.