(Atlantic, Iowa) – Students at the Atlantic Middle School were briefly evacuated this (Friday) morning, after an odor that smelled like gas was detected. Superintendent Dr. Beth Johnsen told KJAN in an e-mail, that they “Didn’t know for sure if it was a natural/ propane or sewer gas.  There is a difference with those odors, but we wanted to ensure the safety of the students, so we had them evacuate the building immediately and called the Atlantic Fire Department and Atlantic Municipal Utilities to check the building.” The students staged at the Trojan Bowl until the all-clear could be given.

Dr. Johnsen said AFD and AMU crews “Did a fabulous job of checking all parts of the building and found nothing.” She says “We suspected it was something, but wanted to make sure it wasn’t something harmful within the building.  We reviewed security cameras and determined it was a student prank.  While we were relieved it wasn’t dangerous odors, we are now dealing with student discipline.”

Dr. Johnsen said also, “We totally appreciate the quick response of our city partners, AFD and AMU for coming to our middle school and ensuring our safety.”