An "odd smell" interrupted the school day for more than 2,000 high schoolers in Baltimore City on Monday.
Baltimore City Schools posted to social media that Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Western High School were temporarily evacuated after an "odd smell" was reported.
School officials investigated and it found that the issue was a "strong fragrance."
Today, September 16, 2024, the campus of Baltimore Polytechnic Institute/Western High School was temporarily evacuated due to a reported odd smell. Upon investigation, the issue was a strong fragrance. The campus has since been declared safe and students have returned to class. pic.twitter.com/9PD4cZbDbV
— Baltimore City Public Schools (@BaltCitySchools) September 16, 2024
A letter sent out to the school communities stated that there had been a small gas leak in near the kitchen on Friday. BGE dealt with the gas issue on Friday.
Because of the gas leak on Friday, the school evacuated when an "odd smell" was reported in the building.
"Upon investigation, responders identified the source of the gas scent as an aromatic fragrance that was being used in a first-floor classroom," the letter reads. "A strong reminder was issued to staff regarding the proper use of fragrances."
BGE did close the gas line to the campus as a cautionary measure and made sure the school was safe before allowing students back in by 11:56 a.m.
