Carbon Monoxide Alarm at Winter Haven School Sends 22 Students to Hospitals After Emergency Evacuation
WINTER HAVEN, FLORIDA — Emergency crews responded Friday morning to Cypress Junction Montessori School in Winter Haven after a carbon monoxide alarm was triggered inside the building, prompting an immediate evacuation and hospital transport for more than 20 students, according to local authorities.
Officials say the response involved multiple agencies as a precautionary measure to ensure student safety.
Carbon Monoxide Detector Triggers School Evacuation
The incident unfolded when a carbon monoxide detector activated inside the school, alerting staff and prompting a call to emergency services. Winter Haven Police Department officers and Polk County Fire Rescue crews were dispatched to the campus shortly after the alarm sounded.
As a safety measure, all students and staff were moved outside the building immediately while first responders assessed the situation.
Source of Carbon Monoxide Found Outside Building
Fire officials later determined that the source of the carbon monoxide was located outside the school building, though responders noted a faint odor detected indoors during the initial inspection.
Crews ventilated the affected areas and conducted air-quality testing throughout the campus to ensure conditions were safe before allowing reentry.
22 Students Transported for Medical Evaluation
As a precaution, 22 students were transported to local hospitals for medical evaluation. Officials confirmed that 11 students were taken by ambulance, while another 11 were transported by school bus.
Authorities reported that all students were in stable condition, and no serious injuries were identified.
Other Students Relocated During Emergency Response
Students who did not require medical evaluation were temporarily relocated to another building on the school campus while emergency crews continued inspections. Fire officials confirmed that air-quality levels later returned to normal following ventilation efforts.
Authorities Clear Building Before Resuming Operations
Emergency personnel remained on scene until they confirmed the building was safe for occupancy. Normal operations were delayed as crews completed inspections and ensured no ongoing hazard remained. School officials have not announced any long-term closures related to the incident.
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