By Associated Press
Lockport, NY – For the second time this month, a Niagara County school was closed after more than two dozen students became ill.
North Park Middle School in Lockport, Niagara County was evacuated Tuesday after about 30 students and teachers were apparently sickened by carbon monoxide.
Superintendent Bruce Fraser says tests showed slightly elevated levels of carbon monoxide in the blood of those taken to the hospital after complaining of headaches and nausea. The sickened students and staff were treated and released from the hospital.
Fraser says officials believe the carbon monoxide came from a boiler that provides heat for the school building.
All 645 pupils were sent to other schools in the district.
More tests taken early Wednesday showed no further problems, allowing North Park to re-open for classes. The district begins its Christmas break on Friday.
Starpoint High School in nearby Pendleton was closed for two days last week when 31 students became sick while rehearsing for a concert. Officials are still trying to determine what caused the illnesses.