Minn. schools evacuated after possible carbon monoxide poisoning

SPRINGFIELD, Minn. -- Schools were evacuated in Springfield, Minn. Thursday morning after 27 students were sickened with what may have been carbon monoxide poisoning, CBS affiliate KEYC reports.

Officials told KEYC that all of the sick students were 4th and 5th graders. None of the children are considered in life-threatening conditions .

Police were called to Springfield Public School just after 9:30 a.m. Thursday after a couple of students reportedly fell ill in the school auditorium.

The Springfield School District's website confirmed that schools were being closed for the day and students have been taken to a nearby community center. Parents were instructed they could pick up their children late Thursday morning, CBS Minnesota reported.

The Mayo Clinic Health System in Springfield said it was evaluating 27 patients  for possible carbon monoxide poisoning.

Some of the patients arrived by ambulance, and others were driven there by family members.

Mayo Clinic Health System in Springfield says they implemented their highest level of disaster plan.

Both the high school and elementary school were evacuated.

A spokesman told KEYC in Mankato that Mayo Clinic Health System was working with school officials, law enforcement and first responders.