BREAKING: Students temporarily relocated after gas leak at Rangerville Elementary

By STEVEN RAY HERNANDEZ
EDITOR
EDITOR@SBNEWSPAPER.COM

There was a mid-morning scare today at Rangerville Elementary after an unexpected gas leak due to a pierced gas line caused by Cameron County workers.

According to a press release from the San Benito School District, landscaping employees with the county accidentally hit a gas pipe while mowing the grass just outside the vicinity of the school’s cafeteria, prompting local fire department and gas company personnel to take swift action.

As a precautionary measure, students and staff closest to the affected area were relocated to the west side of the campus, according to Principal Diana Atkinson.

“It’s important to note that both students and staff remained safe at all times,” Atkinson said. “We thank our parents for placing trust and confidence in our ability to keep the students safe.”

The event transpired shortly after 10:00 a.m. this morning and ended swiftly without incident.  “We are just thankful that the school routinely practices drills and that everybody followed proper procedure to ensure the safety of our students and staff,” said SBCISD’s Communications Director Celia Longoria.

Students and staff returned to their designated classrooms after officials evaluated the situation and soon indicated the area as being “clear.”

At the end of the day, the school sent a letter and an automated notification informing parents of the incident.