CONROE, Texas — Caney Creek High School will be closed Friday after six students were taken to the hospital for a second day of "concerning odor" at the school.
Conroe ISD sent the following statement Thursday evening:
"Our investigation into the source of the odor continues as there were no findings with the smoke test. We encourage anyone with information to contact campus administration or make a report through the Anonymous Alerts app.
Caney Creek HS will not have school tomorrow, Friday, May 5th, to allow the contractors to continue their investigation into the source. Just as we have throughout this situation, we will update you as we know more."
Caney Creek Fire Chief Raymond Flannelly said the six students who went to the hospital reported having headaches due to the smell. We don't know how serious their conditions are.
Conroe ISD said students and staff first became aware of a gas smell near the cafeteria Wednesday morning. They evacuated the school as the Caney Creek Fire Department and Conroe ISD maintenance staff investigated where the smell was coming from.
Firefighters went through the building with gas detectors, but couldn't find the source, according to Flannelly.
Students were dismissed early Wednesday and though the source of the smell was undetermined, school officials decided that classes would resume the next day.
Around noon Thursday, the odor returned and firefighters were called back to the school to investigate.
This time, fire marshals and a Hazmat team were sent to the school to assist in finding the source of the "concerning odor," but once again, the source of the smell was undetermined.
"They went through the building from top to bottom," Flannelly said. "These Hazmat teams are professionals, they know a lot about different types of gases, their meters picked up nothing as well. So, it's a mystery."
Flannelly said theories are going around that this could be some kind of prank where a spray is being discharged around the school.
"We hope it's not because I promise you, they will be held accountable," Flannelly said.
Below is video from Air 11 flying over Caney Creek High School when students were being evacuated: