Madonna Catholic students evacuated for burning smell

A suspicious smell from an electric circuit forced an early dismissal for students at Madonna Catholic Regional School in Monongahela for a short time Monday morning.

According to Monongahela fire Chief Aaron Leezer, a smell of electricity burning was identified in the school’s circuit breaker in the basement. Leezer said a faulty circuit breaker for the kitchen area was responsible for the smell, and no smoke or fire emanated from the circuit. 

As a precaution, Leezer said students and staff were evacuated to the neighboring Saint Andrew the Apostle church.

Leezer said the fire alarm was activated at 9:30 a.m., and within an hour the scene was cleared.

A statement from the school said parents were notified and students followed a dismissal protocol from the church to return home.

School principal Kathryn Miller said the faulty breaker was replaced Monday afternoon and students are expected to return to regularly scheduled classes today. 

Called to the scene were Monongahela, Carroll Township, New Eagle and Valley Inn fire departments as well as Tri-Community Ambulance.