Classes were cancelled at Oxford Middle School Wednesday, March 26 after construction crews working on the building’s expansion accidentally ruptured a 2-inch gas main while digging outside near the school.
The Oxford Fire Department was notified of the incident at 7:19 a.m. and Superintendent Virginia Brennan-Kyro was notified at 7:25 a.m.
Not knowing whether the situation was safe for students, Oxford Schools erred on the side of caution by cancelling classes and sending students home or to Lakeville Elementary, according to Brennan-Kyro.
Students with keys or someone at home were returned to their residences by school buses. Other students were transported by bus to the Lakeville Elementary cafeteria to be picked up later by parents or guardians.
As per procedure, the school district notified all television and radio stations of the situation.
Administration, office staff and Assistant Superintendent Ron Franey stayed at the middle school to notify anyone who had not heard the news or was not riding a school bus.
According to Oxford Fire Lt. Terry Roeher, a representative from Consumers Energy arrived on the scene at 8 a.m. and repair crews shortly after 9 a.m.
Fire Chief Jack LeRoy said no gas leaks were found inside the school building.
Although the situation was deemed safe, a contingent of firefighters remained at the scene as a precautionary measure while Consumers’ workers repaired the ruptured main.
? C.J. Carnacchio & Jenny Matteson