Cause of middle school evacuation remains unknown

Parker Middle School was evacuated for about two hours Thursday morning after two teachers experienced sudden respiratory problems.

The Telegram posted early reports that a potential gas leak might have caused the health problems and subsequent evacuation, but Rocky Mount Fire Chief Keith Harris said the information was untrue.

“That was just a rumor,” Harris said. “We didn’t find any problems, and our air monitors did not pick up anything.”

Rocky Mount police and firefighters were at the scene on East Virginia Street early Thursday afternoon, and both teachers were treated by Edgecombe County emergency crews, witnesses said. Assistant Principal Cindy Peck assisted emergency responders with their efforts.

Officials were unsure what caused the respiratory problems, so the building was evacuated for approximately two hours as a precaution, authorities said.

During that time, parents were contacted and asked to pick up students. A few parents called the Telegram upset that school officials didn’t release more information about the incident.

“I get this call saying something has happened at the school, and they wouldn’t say specifically what happened, but I can come pick up my kids,” Monica White said. “When I get there, there’s yellow tape, fire trucks, police cars, ambulances everywhere. I asked a couple other teachers and assistant principals what happened, and they said they weren’t at liberty to say. ... I feel like if something is happening at school, they need to let the parents know what’s going on.”

Both teachers who were struggling to breath were taken to Nash General Hospital and later released in good condition, officials said.

Authorities and school officials are continuing to investigate the incident.