High School Evacuation Ends After Gas Leak Scare

Pine-Richland High School was evacuated for about 45 minutes this morning after a gas leak was reported.

About 1,500 students and 200 staff members evacuated to the nearby middle school until gas, police, and fire officials gave the go-ahead to return, said Communications Director Rachel Hathhorn.

At 10:30 a.m. a construction worker hit a gas line and immediately called 911, which set the school's safety procedures in place, she said. Construction crews are working on expansion and renovation of the high school at 700 Warrendale Road in Pine Township.

Equitable Gas, Northern Regional Police Department and fire officials responded to the call, said Hathhorn.

Fire trucks from Wexford Volunteer Fire Department, Richland Volunteer Fire Department and Adams Township's fire department were on the scene, said Carolyn Boice, the superintendent's and school board's secretary.

"The students were well mannered, well behaved," said Hathhorn. "(The evacuation) was successful because of that."

The bell schedule was adjusted after students returned to the building to ensure students had time for their lunches and classes, said Hathhorn.

Parents received a call about the evacuation from the school system's rapid call system, she said.