By Kevin Jefferies
Celeste – Celeste Schools were evacuated yesterday after a city worker ruptured a nearby natural gas pipeline. 510 students from three campuses were moved to the First Baptist Church of Celeste after city workers hit an approximately two inch diameter natural gas line around 10:30 yesterday morning. The city crew had followed procedure to locate any such lines in the area as they worked to fix a water, but the gas line was unmarked. This resulted in what was called a major rupture .
A strong gas smell filled the elementary, middle school, and high school campuses that are all located near each other. Students were initially moved from the junior high and elementary to the high school. From there, they were moved to the nearby church where the Red Cross provided snacks and drinks for the children. Bus drivers were called in for an early run and parents were notified to come pick their children up.
School officials were pleased with the handling of the situation by safety officials, students, and parents. No injuries were reported.