Chicago school evacuated and 9 students hospitalized over gas leak

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Harper High School

As many as nine people were taken to hospitals Wednesday morning, after high carbon monoxide readings were detected at a West Englewood high school.

Around 10 a.m., firefighters conducted a hazardous materials response at Harper High School, at 65th and Wood, due to high carbon monoxide levels. The school was evacuated, and will be closed for the rest of the day.

People's Gas spokeswoman Bonnie Johnson says Peoples Gas "is supporting [the Chicago Fire Department] in their investigation into a foreign odor at Harper High School."

Chicago police said nine students were hospitalized as a precaution, although the Fire Department said six students and one teacher were hospitalized.

Students who weren't sick were being bused to other schools.

Officials said a construction crew was relining sewers in the area, and vapors from the sewer might have seeped into the school, raising carbon monoxide levels, and making some people feel ill.