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WATERTOWN, Conn. (AP) — A Watertown middle school has been evacuated and more than 40 students hospitalized after becoming sick from fumes.
Officials said Thursday they could not determine the cause of the mild illnesses at Swift Middle School. Jeremy Rodorigo, medical commander at the scene, said students reported headaches, dizziness and feeling lightheaded.
Fire Chief Larry Black said first responders reported smelling a faint odor in the gymnasium, possibly from a problem with an electrical motor.
The fire department had not determined the source. Rodorigo said that despite the use of metering equipment, firefighters didn't find anything toxic in the air.
A state environmental official said tests revealed no hazardous materials in the school.
Officials say the school is expected to open Friday pending one last precautionary test.
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