UPDATE: Explosion at Bates Middle School Injures 2 Employees

The school closed at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday after a "puffback" occurred in its boiler room, according to a school spokesman. The school opened for staff and students Thursday.

UPDATE (9 p.m.)—Bates Middle School was evacuated after an explosion was reported in its boiler room that injured two employees on Wednesday morning. “Maintenance workers were attempting to refire a boiler at the school shortly before 9 a.m. this morning when a small ‘puffback,’ or release of built-up pressure, occurred,” said Bob Mosier, a spokesman for Anne Arundel County Public Schools, in a press release. "There was no fire, but lots of smoke and soot in the boiler room.” Mosier said Wednesday night that air tests and other safety inspections were  completed and the school has heat and running water, so it will open on time for students and staff on Thursday. Two men were in the boiler room at the time of the incident, and Mosier said …

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