HVAC gas leak led to Forest Hills Elementary evacuation

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Classes resumed at Forest Hills Global Elementary after crews discovered a malfunctioning HVAC unit caused a gas leak.

The HVAC unit, which is on the roof, has a re-heating element that is powered by gas. The unit has been repaired and the school is operating again on its normal schedule.

Around 10:45 a.m., the school was evacuated due to the odor of something that smelled like gas.

According to the New Hanover County School District, school maintenance and safety officials responded.

Forest Hills Elementary has been evacuated due to the odor of something that smells like gas. NHCS Maintenance and safety officials are on-site inspecting the cause. We will provide an update shortly.

— New Hanover Co Sch (@NewHanoverCoSch) April 27, 2018

New Hanover County Schools spokeswoman Valita Quattlebaum said parents were notified with a phone call.

On Wednesday, the school was dismissed at noon due to electrical power issues. Power was restored later that day and the first phase of the repair completed. The second repair was scheduled to take place after school dismissed today.