Shadow Hills High School and Desert Ridge Academy evacuated due to gas leak

Students at Shadow Hills High School & Desert Ridge Academy in Indio were released from class following a natural gas leak on campus.

Parents are being notified by the school district.

At 11:00 am, students from Desert Ridge Academy and Shadow Hills High School will be released.

DRA students will be released to parents or authorized adult (C Card). DRA students will not be allowed to walk home and busses will not be transporting. Pick up must be via Avenue 39, only.

Shadow Hills students will be released to walk or drive. DSUSD busses will provide Indio Hills bus riders with transportation and SunBus is on hand for those who use this method of transportation.

DESERT SANDS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Desert Sands Unified School District confirmed that both schools were evacuated "out of an abundance of caution" due to a reported gas leak in the cafeteria of the high school.

Shortly after 1:30 p.m., CAL FIRE confirmed the source of the smell was confirmed to be a natural gas leak. Crews are venting all buildings as a precaution.

Southern California Gas will be mitigating the gas leak.

Three school employees were taken to the hospital after being overcome by a smell. Mary Perry, spokesperson for the district, said one person has been released from the hospital, another is about to be released, and the third patient will remain hospitalized to be monitored.

DSUSD announced that out of an abundance of caution, all activities scheduled for Friday evening at Shadow Hills High School are canceled. This includes athletic practice, conditioning, and any other visual or performing arts events.

"Should there be any changes to the weekend schedule will be shared tomorrow morning," reads a notice sent out by Perry.

Jefferson St will be closed between Avenue 39 and Avenue 40. Cal Fire crews are expected to remain on scene for several hours.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.