Chemical Odor Prompts Kansas School Evacuation

Maize South Elementary in Wichita was evacuated Thursday morning after an odor prompted a hazardous-materials response and an initial concern about a carbon monoxide leak. Fire officials found no carbon monoxide hazard and traced the smell to nearby maintenance work involving pesticide tanks; the district said the building was safe. Several students and an adult reported irritation, and five people were checked by EMS, all declining treatment. Students ate lunch at the middle school before returning to the elementary school, with regular dismissal and pickup plans unchanged.