KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Whittle Springs Middle School was dismissed early on Wednesday out of caution after a leak in the air conditioning system caused an odor in the school, according to Knox County Schools Chief of Communications Carly Harrington.
Around 10:51 a.m., the Knoxville Fire Department responded to the middle school after reports of smoke. The school was evacuated, according to KFD Public Information Officer Mark Wilbanks.
A KCS spokesperson said three children and five adults were taken to the hospital to be evaluated. The three children have since been released from the hospital, according to the spokesperson. The fire department initially said seven adults were taken to the hospital.
The leak resulted in an odor and as a precaution, KCS partnered with the East Tennesee Children's Hospital and the Knox County Health Department to "address the needs of students," KCS said.
Authorities said Wednesday evening students and staff were safe to go back to school on Thursday.