On Wednesday morning at approximately 8:50 am, the Morgan City Police and Fire Departments responded to Holy Cross Catholic Church in Morgan City regarding students from Central Catholic Elementary that became ill during mass. The building was evacuated as a precautionary measure and the air quality was tested by the Morgan City Fire Department. Acadian Ambulance also responded to the scene.
MCFD Assistant Fire Chief John MacDougall tells KQKI News their testing was inconclusive as they were not reading any carbon monoxide in any area or building, although it was initially thought that Carbon Monoxide was the issue. Firefighters isolated the Holy Cross Catholic Church sanctuary as all the students and most faculty were in a mass at that time. All other buildings were checked with no reports of carbon monoxide present.
MCFD and Acadian Ambulance personnel assessed all in need, although no one was transported to the hospital.
School and church personnel have contacted a HVAC contractor to assess the heating units and the Morgan City Gas Department was on scene to check gas meters and supply to the church. Until the HVAC contractor and gas department clear the church sanctuary, it will remain closed.
All school buildings are cleared for students and teachers to return to class.