SC’s Lower Richland students back after evacuation

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Students from Columbia’s Lower Richland High School are getting back to class after being evacuated because of a gas leak.

Richland County School District One spokeswoman Karen York says the students were taken by bus to nearby Southeast Middle School and began to return around 10 a.m.

Richland County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Lt. Curtis Wilson says the Columbia Fire Department responded to a call about a gas odor.

The students were evacuated around 7:30 a.m.

York says the leak was located outside the school. Utility crews made the repairs, and the building was aired out.

District officials say the school day wasn’t canceled. If parents wished, they were able to pick up their children after showing valid identification.