Updated: Sylvan Middle School Evacuated in SW Atlanta

The students at Sylvan Middle School have been evacuated to Kennedy Middle School due to a reported gas leak.

Cascade Patch received a statement from the Atlanta Fire Department saying that there were, "no injuries and it was determined there was no gas leak."

Atlanta Fire Department has since left the scene along with Atlanta Gas Light.

As soon as the evacuation began we heard from the APS Office of Communications, and were told that, "due to reports of a gas leak, Sylvan Hills Middle School students have been evacuated and relocated to Kennedy Middle School, located at 225 James P. Brawley Drive, N.W., Atlanta, GA 30314."  We do not have any reports of injuries at this time, and in fact APS says that, "all students and staff are safe and accounted for."

Parents are being notified via robo-call, email, letter, school website, and social media channels about the incident and also about the plan regarding student dismissal procedures after-school today.

It is good news that there was not a gas leak and that the fire department believes the students were never at risk.  

In an updated email from APS authorities, we were told, "Atlanta Gas Light and APS Operations have confirmed that heating equipment at Sylvan Middle School malfunctioned, causing the smell of gas to permeate the building."  The email goes on to say that the problem was assessed by both the gas company and the fire department, and that, "all students and staff are safe and accounted for and at no time were any students or staff members in danger."

Some may feel the cost and scare of the evacuation was premature, but APS says that they will, "always will err on the side of caution to ensure the safety and security of our students and employees."

According to Sylvan Middle School, "students will be dismissed at their regular time. Buses will transport bus riders to their regular bus stops. Car riders and walkers will return to Sylvan Middle School for dismissal."