Multiple students, staff members taken to hospital after gas leak at Smithfield school

Multiple students and staff have been taken to the hospital Wednesday after a gas leak at a Smithfield school.

A street is closed down and students and staff at Choice Plus Academy were dismissed early on Wednesday due to the gas leak, which was caused by a mechanical issue outside the building.

A few individuals were treated for mild nausea and headaches, according to a release from Choice Plus Academy.

"Other than that, all students and staff are safe," wrote Richard Carr, the interim executive director of communications.

Upon being notified of the issue, local emergency officials and Johnston County Public Schools officials responded to the campus to assess the situation. After conferring, and out of an abundance of caution, the decision was made to dismiss.

Second Street has been closed down and multiple ambulances and fire trucks were seen leaving the scene.