O'FALLON, Ill. — Emergency crews responded Thursday morning after multiple students reported feeling sick at a St. Clair County school.
O'Fallon, Illinois, Fire Rescue Chief Brad White said a 13-year-old boy passed out during morning mass in the gymnasium at St. Clare Catholic School. In total, 26 people were evaluated, including 25 students, 17 of whom were taken to the hospital. One teacher was evaluated at the scene. White says people who were evaluated experienced an array of symptoms.
"Mild symptoms including light headiness, upset stomachs, nausea, lethargic, stuff like that. And probably all of those students will be released home. I don't see any of them having any long term problems," White said.
The school was evacuated and class was canceled for the remainder of the day for students. White said class will resume on Friday.
White told 5 On Your Side Thursday that officials found a natural gas leak in the school's kitchen, close to the gym.
"Initially the thought was it was carbon monoxide and we did a check and there was a check and there was no carbon monoxide at the school. We kind of did some secondary searches and found we had a gas leak in the kitchen," White said.
Ameren, however, told 5 On Your Side later Thursday afternoon that the incident was caused by carbon monoxide and not a natural gas leak.
"Upon further investigation with the O'Fallon Fire Department and Ameren Illinois, it was determined that the rooftop furnace was emitting carbon monoxide into the gymnasium, which led to some students and one adult feeling sick," Ameren said in a press release.
White said their department is still sure it was a natural gas leak because their sensors did not detect carbon monoxide, but did get a hit for natural gas. White also said the gas leak was located and fixed.
Parents including Maggie Hernandez dropped everything and headed straight to the school.
"I'd never received a call like that so I freaked out and said oh my gosh, what's going on?!," Hernandez said.
"They contacted me pretty quickly, I'm sure that they're doing their best as well but I was just glad to be able to leave from work and get my son," Hernandez said.
The school canceled classes on Friday. White said all the children taken to the hospital have been released and are doing well.
To watch 5 On Your Side broadcasts or reports 24/7, 5 On Your Side is always streaming on 5+. Download for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV or the Apple TV App Store.
Top St. Louis headlines
Get the latest news and details throughout the St. Louis area from 5 On Your Side broadcasts here.