Pupils evacuated and Sunderland school closed after concerns over potential gas leak
A Sunderland school is closed until Monday (September 22) after pupils and staff were evacuated from the building after the smell of gas was detected.
Children were evacuated from Thornhill Academy and the school was closed yesterday (September 18).
In a letter to parents the school’s principal Mr Liam Clark said: “As you may be aware, a gas smell was detected on the school site earlier today.
“The safety and wellbeing of out students is our highest priority and as a precautionary measure we initiated a full site evacuation.
“Following the evacuation we were promptly supported by the Fire Service and gas engineers who continue to investigate and resolve the issue.
“As a result the school will remain closed on Friday September 19, and is scheduled to reopen on Monday September 22.”
In the period the academy is closed work for the pupils to complete is being uploaded onto the school’s online portal, Class Charts.
Mr Clark added: “I would like to extend my thanks to all parents and carers for your swift response and continued support. I would also like to express our gratitude to St Nicholas’ Church who kindly accommodated our staff, and students whose parents could not be reached.
“This incident was entirely beyond our control, and I’m incredibly proud of how Thornhill students conducted themselves.”
Families in receipt of free school meals can arrange for food to be delivered by emailing the school.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said it had sent two fire appliances, and had stayed at the scene for just under three hours.