On Wednesday, November 5, at approximately 8:44 am, the Wachusett Regional Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call from staff at Paxton Center School (PCS). The staff reported that up to 33 students may have been exposed to smoke and/or carbon monoxide during their morning bus ride to school, with some students complaining of symptoms. 

The Paxton Fire Department (PFD) responded immediately with a first alarm assignment and both ambulances. Due to the number of potential patients, Fire Chief Michael Pingitore declared a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI), which quickly exceeded Paxton’s resources. Mutual aid ambulances from Rutland, Barre, Holden, Leicester, Spencer, and Princeton responded. Incident management support was provided by command staff from Leicester, Barre, West Boylston, Boylston, and Rutland. 

Each student was assessed by emergency medical services personnel and the school nurse who determined that no student required transport to the hospital.

Pingitore commended the swift and coordinated response of all agencies. He extended special recognition to the staff at PCS for their quick action and calm professionalism during the incident. “Their efforts were instrumental in ensuring student safety and supporting emergency personnel,” said Pingitore.

He also noted the collaboration and communication with the Wachusett Regional School District. Pingitore said that Superintendent Jim Reilly arrived at PCS within minutes and played an active role in supporting the school’s response and coordination efforts.

The incident ended a little past 10 am and remains under investigation by the PFD. The bus company, AA Transportation, indicates the issue may have been related to a bus’s braking system.

“This incident highlights the strength of regional collaboration and the professionalism of emergency services and school staff,” said Pingitore. “The safety of all students is a testament to the effective teamwork demonstrated by everyone involved.”