Student Fainted While Rehearsing for Concert, Then Others Reported 'Respiratory' Symptoms. What Investigation Found

Mar. 15, 2025

However, a “thorough investigation” of the school revealed “no findings of a gas leak or the presence of carbon monoxide inside or outside the school,” according to Brennan.

“We did meter the building twice from two different fire department meters,” Scarborough Fire Chief Rich Kindelan said during apress conferenceheld later that afternoon. “There were no hazards found in the building or in the area of the incident.”

Speaking at the press conference, Scarborough Public Schools Superintendent Diane Nadeau said that at the time of the incident, about 120 third and fourth grade students were assembled on risers on a stage set up in Wentworth’s cafeteria while preparing for an upcoming concert.

All of the students and faculty were temporarily relocated to Scarborough High School, but Wentworth School was later reopened and the students and staff returned.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Kindelan said that based on reports from the scene, “there were no physical injuries and the treatment was minor and precautionary.”

Brennan said that the school is “looking into whether the temperature of the stage and limited ventilation might have been contributors to students’ symptoms.”

“They will be taking steps to assess if improved ventilation in the space might address the respiratory concerns and allow for better airflow in the future,” the fire official added.

Pavithra Brasad, whose daughter is a third-grader at Wentworth, told CBS affiliateWGMEshe had just been at the school’s library with her child when she heard the news.

“I just want everyone to be safe,” she added.

Wentworth’swebsitesaid it has about 700 students in grades 3-5 and more than 100 staff members.

source: people.com