Students at West Broward High School released early due to underground gas leak, police say

Students at a South Florida high school were relocated to an auditorium and eventually sent home for the day after an underground gas leak was reported on Monday morning, according to Pembroke Pines police.

According to Pembroke Pines police, the incident was reported at West Broward High School on Northwest 209th Avenue.

Police had initially said in a Facebook post that students were evacuated and being sent home early due to the underground gas leak.

"A lot of parents were scared, calling their kids and asking what's happening," said Maya Chacon, a student who spoke with CBS News Miami with her parents' permission.

"It was chaotic everywhere because people in the auditorium were trying to leave and they were blocking the exits," Chacon said.

A Broward County Public Schools spokesperson reported that one of the buildings was evacuated after a gas tank leaked. The gas was shut off and the leak repaired, but officials have not yet determined the cause.

"They send out emails, text messages, and those things to let you know what's going on at the school, but we haven't gotten anything. Go to the front of the school; nobody has any information. They just told us that the kids are going to be released," said Crystal Cleare, a parent.

Students were initially sent outside before some were moved to the auditorium, prompting parents to rush to the campus after seeing updates on social media.

"My daughter is stuck in the cafeteria, her belongings are still inside the classroom, so from my understanding, she's not going to be able to get her belongings until maybe another day," Cleare said.

The district explained that the early release was ordered due to the high volume of parents arriving to pick up their children.

"Some students were calling their moms and dads and stuff," said student Frank Valdez.

No injuries have been reported, and classes are scheduled to resume as normal on Tuesday.