WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — The Winter Haven Police Department (WHPD) said police and fire rescue crews were at Cypress Junction Montessori School after a carbon monoxide detector went off inside of the school on Friday morning.
Officials said the school was evacuated and 23 students were taken to Winter Haven Hospital to be evaluated. Half of the students were taken by ambulance to the hospital the other half were taken by school bus. All students are in stable condition.
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“My staff reacted very quickly from the moment the carbon monoxide alarms went off, we had them vacated from the premises within two minutes," said Dr. Kris Newman-Lake, Principal and CEO of Cypress Junction Montessori School.
Many parents came to pick up their kids early out of an abundance of caution.
“Carbon monoxide is a crazy thing. So, yeah I heard they were all okay and everybody is going to be alright. That’s the good part,” said Phillip Brooks.
Police said a leak outside of the school caused the alarm to go off with a small bit of odor inside.
Students and staff who were not affected, were escorted to a nearby building. All parents were notified.
Fire crews ventilated the school, confirming the air quality is now clear.
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