YARMOUTH, Maine — Students and staff at Yarmouth High School were evacuated from school grounds Monday amid an air quality concern at the facilities.
Several students reported feeling light-headed and unwell, according to Superintendent Andrew Dolloff, which prompted the decision to evacuate the premises.
Students and staff were relocated to other schools while the fire department investigated the area, including air quality testing.
NEWS CENTER Maine spoke with a student who said they witnessed seeing students get rolled out on stretchers and said one of them may have been unconscious. Emergency officials did not independently confirm that allegation, however.
The student said the situation was a bit chaotic as many scrambled to get their belongings before leaving the building.
Fire officials concluded air quality testing shortly before 1 p.m. and determined the building was safe for students and staff to return.
School leaders decided to release students at 1:35 p.m.
A school notification was sent out to the community detailing the situation and announcing the early release plan.
"Although air quality tests have produced excellent results, we are experiencing a concerning number of students indicating that they do not feel well," the alert said. "Out of a continued abundance of caution, we are going to close the facility for the day and call for further investigation by public safety professionals."
Students and staff were permitted to re-enter the building to gather any necessary belongings, and buses would be making additional trips for students in need of transportation.
The incident was still being investigated by emergency officials Monday afternoon.
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