Gas Fumes Prompt Drum Point School Evacuation, Official Says

BRICK, NJ -- Students and staff at Drum Point Elementary School were evacuated for a short time Wednesday morning after gas fumes filled the building, officials said Wednesday afternoon.

Interim Superintendent Thomas Gialanella said New Jersey Natural Gas workers believe the issue was caused when fumes being vented backed up into the school from the boiler. The service company was called to check on the issue, he said.

He was notified of the problem about 9 a.m. and the students and staff were evacuated to Emma Havens Young School next door while the problem was addressed, according to a parent who contacted the Patch. Once Drum Point was cleared of fumes, the students and staff were allowed to return, which Gialanella said occurred about 10:15 a.m.

Brick Township police and firefighters from Breton Woods Fire Company also responded to the school, Gialanella said, and gave clearance for students and staff to return.

“No students or staff reported any discomfort that I know of,” Gialanella said.