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Students Overheat After Bomb Threat Evacuation
8 Sep
Summary
- 21 students hospitalized for heat-related illnesses.
- Students reported lack of water and shade during evacuation.
- A bomb threat prompted the evacuation of Carter Middle School.
Twenty-one students at Carter Middle School were hospitalized for heat-related illnesses after a bomb threat led to their evacuation to the football field. Students reported that despite the superintendent's claims of providing water and shade, these provisions were not universally offered and shade was unavailable. Some students experienced panic attacks and dizziness, with one friend requiring hospitalization due to inability to walk.
Students also described teachers confiscating phones during the crisis, which they felt was a misplacement of priorities. The incident has left students feeling scared and uncertain about returning to school, with concerns that the event might be dismissed. The school district stated it is conducting an after-action review and emphasized its protocols for safety and communication.
The Knox County Sheriff's Office is continuing its investigation into the bomb threat, with no arrests made to date. A parent who is a nurse at the school described witnessing a student with a critically high heart rate. The superintendent cited security concerns when declining to discuss alternative evacuation locations.