Table of Contents
Medford High School remains closed today, and possibly tomorrow, after the school was evacuated this morning following a strong sewer/gas smell in the hallway of the B building.
Medford Public Schools spokesman Will Pipicelli said at approximately 11 a.m., the Medford Fire Department was called after a strong sewer smell was detected in the B2 hallway.
“Shortly after, we were instructed by MFD to evacuate and close the building due to a sewage gas smell,” Pipicelli said.
MHS students and staff, along with the Medford Family Network and Kids Corner daycare, were safely dismissed for the day. All other schools proceeded with a normal school day.
“When we received word from MFD that we had to evacuate the building for the day, our students and staff did a terrific job calmly and safely exiting the building. Our staff, transportation partners, and city department staff instantly stepped up to safely transport students out of the building and off the site,” Pipicelli said. “Thankfully, no one was injured or reported effects as a result of the sewage backup. It is our goal to have school tomorrow, and we are going to do everything we can to have school as long as it's safe to do so.”
Pipicelli said there is no official word yet on whether the high school can reopen tomorrow. The building remains closed.
At this time, all after school activities and sports have either been rescheduled, modified, or cancelled for the day. No indoor activities will take place.
Pipicelli said a drain company is currently onsite searching for the location of the sewage backup to unclog the pipes.
“As of this writing I have not received word if they have found it,” he added. “They will also need to vent the smell out of the building once it is unplugged.”
This is an ongoing story. Gotta Know Medford will update this story as information becomes available.
