Two employees at an elementary school in the Mississippi Delta have sustained serious injuries following what officials are calling a “tragic incident.”
According to Cleveland School District Superintendent Dr. Lisa Bramuchi, the incident occurred at 7:25 a.m. at Hayes Cooper Center (HCC) in Merigold, resulting in two unidentified staff members being hospitalized. Sources told SuperTalk Mississippi News that the incident at hand was an explosion.
Faculty and staff at the school immediately sprang into action to implement their crisis management plan, per the superintendent. No students were reported to be injured.
First responders with the Cleveland Police Department, Bolivar County Sheriff’s Department, Cleveland Volunteer Fire Department, and other emergency service agencies were alerted and responded promptly to the scene. The students present at HCC were transported to the Merigold Community Storm Shelter while two buses that were en route to school were taken to the parking lot of a local crawfish restaurant to wait on their parents or guardians.
“Unfortunately, two of our beloved staff members were injured and taken to Bolivar Medical Center for treatment. Please keep them in your prayers,” Bramuchi stated. “Every staff member and parents who assisted from the carpool line are to be commended for their actions taken to protect our school community.”
The extent of the employees’ injuries is unknown at this time.
Mississippi’s Public Service Commission, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the State Fire Marshall are investigating the incident. A gas leak is currently believed to be the root cause.
The elementary school will not be in session on Friday. Plans for the school’s immediate future will be shared with faculty, staff, and parents.
