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Waller ISD Evacuation Ends After Gas Odor Traced to Mercaptan

Officials traced the smell to a nearby environmental company and declared no remaining hazard at Roberts Road Elementary.

Overview

  • Roberts Road Elementary was evacuated Friday morning and students were initially transported to Waller High School before returning for normal dismissal.
  • Harris County Emergency Services District 3 said crews ventilated the building and brought the incident under control with no hazards remaining.
  • Officials identified the source of the odor as mercaptan, a foul‑smelling additive, linked to a nearby environmental company.
  • Two students were taken to a hospital as a precaution for respiratory complaints and were later released, according to the district.
  • Shelter-in-place precautions were taken at nearby campuses, and multiple agencies including Spring Creek Fire, Cy‑Fair Fire, CenterPoint and Harris County HazMat responded.