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New details have emerged about a carbon monoxide (CO) leak at the Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School in Syracuse. Last Monday (January 6), a carbon monoxide alarm went off, and several students and an employee reported feeling sick. The following day, high levels of CO were detected, leading to several individuals requiring treatment for exposure to the gas. The source of the leak was traced back to a food warmer in the school's kitchen.
The Syracuse Fire Department and the City Division of Code Enforcement conducted an inspection, revealing that while CO alarms were present in multiple areas of the building, they were absent in the kitchen and cafeteria. The improperly vented appliance was identified as the source of the elevated CO levels. The school remains closed until additional CO alarms are installed and a safety certification for the kitchen equipment is submitted.
In a related incident, the body of Brian Deforge, a night cleaner, was found in the cafeteria on Tuesday morning (January 7). However, the school and authorities have stated that his death is unrelated to the CO leak. The school expressed condolences to Deforge's family and assured the public of their commitment to safety.
Students are currently attending classes remotely as the school undergoes safety inspections. The Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School is working with contractors and city officials to ensure compliance with safety standards and will provide updates as they become available.