Firefighter, four others hospitalized in suspected carbon monoxide leak at Broward school

Broward County firefighters evacuated Cypress Bay High School Friday morning after several people were hospitalized after experiencing nausea and headaches, according to the sheriff’s office Fire Rescue department.

In total, four school employees and one firefighter were taken to the Cleveland Clinic in stable condition, said Fire Rescue spokesman Battalion Chief Michael Kane.

Firefighters arrived at the school, 18600 Vista Park Blvd., around 10:30 a.m. They suspected the cause of the illnesses was carbon monoxide exposure, Kane said. They then measured elevated levels of the gas in the cafeteria.

BSO and Sunrise Fire Rescue hazardous materials teams were called to the school. They secured a propane tank that supplies the school, and after they did, carbon monoxide levels returned to normal, Kane said.

Broward Public Schools spokeswoman Keyla Concepcion said no students were among the patients.

Nevertheless, the school dismissed students at noon, according to a statement from the district.

“Following our initial assessment and ongoing work with local authorities, we have confirmed that the leak has been contained and while there is no immediate risk to the safety of our students and staff, we will be transitioning to an early release dismissal,” Principal Kassandra Fried said in an email to parents.

Although CO levels returned to safe levels after the propane tank was secured, Kane said the source of the leak is under investigation.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are headaches, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain and confusion.

“CO symptoms are often described as ‘flu-like,’” the agency states on its website.