An ill student and the subsequent discovery of a white powder in his locker prompted Littleton Fire officials to order the evacuation of Littleton’s Heritage High School this afternoon.
Jay Ruoff, a division chief for the Littleton Fire Department, said late this afternoon that officials have no idea what the substance is despite an initial field test.
The test was “inconclusive” and the powder is being sent to a laboratory for further testing, said Ruoff.
He said a total of six people were transported to a local hospital as a “precautionary measure.”
The six include two school employees and four students.
The white powder was found in a gym bag, said the division chief.
Diane Leiker, spokeswoman for the Littleton School District, said the Littleton Fire Department was notified by school authorities of a problem about 1:20 p.m.
“Early this afternoon, a student was exhibiting what appeared to be signs of intoxication and was taken to a hospital,” said Leiker.
She said that initially paramedics were called to help the student. Hazardous materials crews were called when faculty members went to the student’s locker and saw the white powdery substance.
“They didn’t know what it was,” said Leiker.
As a result, the school was shut down 40 minutes early, and all 1,550 students were sent home.
Five other students who have lockers in proximity to the ill student’s locker were checked out, she said.
Ruoff said the two school employees complained of itching and burning eyes. They were decontaminated at the scene and then sent to the hospital.
The school was evacuated about 1:45 p.m., after the students were notified over the PA system, said Leiker.
All practices and events were also canceled Monday.
Ruoff said that the public school system sent a cleanup crew into the school Monday evening. A decision on reopening the school Tuesday was still pending Monday evening, but parents and students were urged to listen to local media or check with for updates.
Howard Pankratz: 303-954-1939 or hpankratz@denverpost.com
