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Jeep Crashes Into Staples High School In Westport, Hits Gas Line

A Jeep crashed into a  high school in Fairfield County, causing the school to be evacuated.

A Jeep crashed into Staples High School hitting a gas line and causing an evacuation.

A Jeep crashed into Staples High School hitting a gas line and causing an evacuation.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons/WestportWiki

The incident took place in Westport around 7:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 1, at Staples High School.

According to Lt. Eric Woods, of the Westport Police, the Jeep accidentally plowed into the Culinary Arts department classroom during the prime drop-off time.

The vehicle hit a gas line in the classroom used for cooking instruction, Woods said.

Students were evacuated and the Westport Fire Department was called to clear the scene.

The gas was quickly shut off and multiple fans were used to ventilate the gas from the building, said Deputy Chief Jeffrey Gootman of the Westport Fire Department. 

 There were no injuries as a result of the accident or gas leak.

Once the gas was turned off by Southern Gas Company, students returned to class, officials said. 

The accident caused a parking lot of surrounding streets as students arrived at school. As of 10 a.m., all streets, including North Avenue, Cross Highway, and Long Lots Road have cleared, Woods said. 

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