Lewis and Clark Middle School briefly evacuated

Students were kept out of Lewis and Clark Middle School for a brief period Tuesday morning while Jefferson City firefighters investigated a gas odor inside the building.

School officials said a gas odor detected around 7 a.m. prompted the evacuation of the school. Upon arrival, students were directed to the football field where they gathered in grade levels with advisory teachers. 

The fire department and Ameren workers investigated and found a gas valve inadvertently had been bumped in a science classroom, causing the odor. Students were allowed to return to class around 8 a.m. following the all clear.

The school is located at 325 Lewis and Clark Drive, off Eastland Drive in eastern Jefferson City.