Students, teachers and staff evacuated William Davies Middle School in Mays Landing, N.J. after reports of a possible natural gas leak.
The leak turned out to actually be an odor caused by a blocked sewer drain in one of the science labs that wasn't properly clean, according to Hamilton Township Police.
The odor was harmless but no one was allowed back into the building Thursday as classes resumed at another area school.
"All William Davies Middle School students have been bussed to the Hess School where they will be dismissed at the normal Davies dismissal time of 2:15," said a message posted to the school's website. "This is following our normal Emergency management plan and is for the safety of our students and staff."
The Atlantic County Fire Marshal confirmed to NBC10 that they were looking into a possible gas leak at the school that caused the building to be evacuated in the first place. No injuries were reported and the gas company was en route as of 10:30 a.m., firefighters said.
Around 11 a.m., Chopper 10 captured students and staff gathering on the football bleachers at neighboring Oakcrest High School as firefighters and gas crews investigated the middle school.
Originally police said that school would be canceled for the day but instead classes were moved to Hess Elementary School located nearby on Babcock Road.
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Crews ventilated the school and officials eventually gave the all clear Thursday afternoon. Classes should resume in the building as scheduled Friday morning, police said.
