BY VINCENT TODARO
Staff Writer

EAST BRUNSWICK - School construction had an unforeseen problem last week when workers accidentally struck a gas pipe, causing the Central Elementary School to be evacuated.

The incident occurred at about 2:20 p.m., near the end of the school day April 5. The entire student body, about 440 students, and about 30 staff members were evacuated, though they were able to return to the building about 45 minutes later.

Sea Coast Building Inc., Freehold, had been working on an addition to the school's kitchen area when a worker digging with a hand shovel hit and ruptured the gas line, police said.

The piping was supposed to be three feet beneath the ground, but turned out to be "barely a foot underground," said Patricia LaDuca, coordinator of community relations and programs for the school district. The gas company had marked the area off prior to the beginning of construction.

The township police and fire departments, first aid units, and emergency management responded to the school. PSE&G workers also arrived to shut off the gas. The school was then checked by fire officials to ensure that there was no residual gas in the building. Once the school was determined to be safe, the students and staff were allowed to re-enter. Emergency crews remained at the scene for approximately one hour.

LaDuca said district officials are thankful to neighboring Trinity Church for housing the students and staff during the evacuation.

Central School, on Cranbury Road, is one of three East Brunswick schools receiving extensive renovations and additions as part of a referendum approved by voters in 2004. The Board of Education had hoped to hold another referendum for additions at the district's other elementary schools, but the status of that proposal remains unclear due to the well-publicized problems with the state's school construction fund.

LaDuca said district officials are waiting to see what happens with the state fund before considering moving ahead with the project.

The 2004 referendum, totaling $106.1 million, received about $24.7 million in state aid, and LaDuca said the district would hope to see the state pick up a significant share the next time as well.

"We are hoping that sort of program is reinstated again," she said.