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The Syracuse Academy of Science High School in Syracuse has been declared an unfit structure following a carbon monoxide leak earlier this week. The leak, caused by a malfunctioning food warmer, led to several people being exposed to the odorless gas. The school, located on Park Avenue, was issued eight code violations, including issues related to carbon monoxide detectors and tampering with equipment.
The incident occurred on Tuesday (January 7) when firefighters responded to a report of a custodian found dead in the school cafeteria. Upon arrival, the firefighters' equipment detected high levels of carbon monoxide in the kitchen area. Five other staff members were hospitalized with symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning but were later released. The custodian's cause of death is still under investigation, and the school claims it was unrelated to the carbon monoxide leak.
According to Syracuse.com, the school failed a re-inspection on Wednesday, leading to its closure until all violations are resolved. The school has begun remote learning for its 367 students while the building remains closed. The city fire department has ordered the installation of additional carbon monoxide alarms and a professional inspection of the kitchen equipment.
The incident has raised concerns about the thoroughness of fire safety inspections in charter and private schools. A previous inspection in November had erroneously marked the school as compliant with safety standards. The Syracuse Fire Department is reviewing inspection schedules for other non-public schools in light of this incident.