Students and staff at Markstay Public School were evacuated Oct. 3 for three hours after a contractor working outside the school ruptured a gas line, according to an email from the school's principal.

Paula Mackey said Union Gas was called, and the gas was turned off immediately. As part of protocol, the Markstay-Warren Fire Department was dispatched to investigate. Both Union Gas and the Markstay-Warren Fire Department confirmed the area to be safe.

Students and staff were relocated to École publique Camille Perron from 10:30 a.m. til 1:30 p.m., at which point, students and staff safely returned to school.

Work on the gas line will take place after school hours today.

“On behalf of all staff, I would like to commend students for their exemplary conduct during the evacuation,” Mackey said. “I would also like to thank parents/guardians for their co-operation. The safety of the students in our care is always first and foremost.”