Newton, MA – Classes at the Franklin Elementary School in Newton were canceled Friday after two people in the boiler room were overcome by carbon monoxide and had to be taken to a Boston hospital, according to the Newton Fire Department.
The problem was discovered at about 7:30 a.m. when firefighters found the two people apparently overcome by carbon monoxide fumes generated by the boiler, the department said in its official Twitter account.
David Fleishman, superintendent of Newton Public Schools, said in a statement that the carbon monoxide release appeared to be the result of an error made by heating contractors while installing a new boiler.
While there are currently no other schools which have boilers under construction, every boiler in all Newton Public Schools will be inspected by the end of the day on Monday, he said. In addition, all rooms at Franklin have been tested for carbon monoxide and have been deemed safe.