1 Injured When Furnace Explodes At School; No Students Hurt

A Jefferson County elementary school was evacuated after a furnace exploded, injuring a custodian.

No students were injured and the custodian, who suffered a cut on her head, is expected to be OK.

Witnesses told NEWS9 they heard a loud boom outside and smoke filled part of the building.

Superintendent Mark Furda said students evacuated the building immediately by following their normal fire drill procedures. Since the incident happened around dismissal time -- around 3:15 p.m. -- some of the students went home on their school bus.

The school has students from preschool to sixth grade and a substitute teacher said some of the younger children were startled.

The custodian was cut by a piece of debris from the explosion, officials said. She was transported to a hospital.

Unionport's fire chief said the furnace has been turned off and the cause of the explosion is under investigation.

As of 5 p.m., it was not clear if there will be school Wednesday. Stay with NEWS9, WTOV9.com and WTOV9 Mobile for continuing coverage.