Gas Main Break Prompts School Evacuations

Students at Ilchester Elementary and Bonnie Branch Middle schools in Ellicott City have been evacuated from the buildings as a precaution following a gas main break, says the Howard County Public School System.

The break is a result of construction at the intersection of Ilchester Road and Landing Road.

llchester Elementary students are being taken by bus to Rockburn Elementary School at 6145 Montgomery Road in Elkridge. The phone number there is 410-313-5030. Students will remain at Rockburn Elementary through the end of the school day, and will be bused home at normal Illchester dismissal time.

Ilchester after-care will be held at Rockburn Elementary; however, parents are encouraged to pick up their child beforehand if possible.

Bonnie Branch students and staff have walked to Trinity School at 4985 Illchester Road (410-744-1524), and will be dismissed at normal Bonnie Branch dismissal time.

Bonnie Branch eighth-graders who are at Centennial Park for a field trip will be taken to Trinity at the end of the trip, then bused home at regular school dismissal time.

Arrangements are being made regarding children whose homes are on roads that are closed by the gas main break. School officials will provide additional information as it becomes available from county officials.

Parents of students who walk to school can pick up their child at Rockburn or Trinity at dismissal. Parents of any child may pick up their child earlier if they choose.