West Orange School Gets Bomb Threat, All-Clear Sounded: Authorities

West Orange, NJ – All students at Hazel Elementary School were reported safe following a bomb threat to the school on Wednesday, authorities stated.

The West Orange School District posted the following message via social media at 10:22 a.m.

“Hazel Elementary School has been evacuated this morning because of a bomb threat. Students are being escorted to Roosevelt Middle School by the West Orange Police Department and staff. Hazel students will remain at Roosevelt until their school is declared safe. Lunch will be provided to the students as necessary. The evacuation process has gone smoothly.”

The post elicited several comments from concerned parents and guardians:

• “Poor kids...but relieved to hear the situation is under control.”
• “Everyone is ok but it very upsetting at this moment. How are the staff going to calm the children when they go back to the school? I feel bad for the kids. They will be scared. What an experience.”
• “I am very confident that the district will take the safety of our kids very seriously.”

School officials provided an update around noon:

“The superintendent is with the Hazel staff and students at Roosevelt. The students are enjoying a movie and are very comfortable. Both local and county law enforcement are assisting us with the situation. Please do not call the police department. All questions may be directed to the Superintendent's office staff at (973) 669-5400, ext. 20510.”

School administrators added that law enforcement had declared the school to be safe.

“Both the Essex County Sheriff's Department and the West Orange Police Department have declared Hazel Elementary safe. The Hazel students are in the process of returning to their building. Lunch will be served to the students at their school and the day will resume normally. The students will be dismissed in the usual manner. The evacuation has gone very well and the students and staff are safe.”

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