Students at Magnolia High School were sent home Thursday after reports of a gasoline-like smell in the gym.

Superintendent Diane Watt said there was no gas leak and officials believe that it was an issue with a drain.

“It was about 7 a.m. this morning that those in the school smelled a gasoline or turpentine smell in the gym. When that happens, we are instructed by the state fire marshal to evacuate the building, no matter what it is,” said Watt.

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, the fire marshal’s office, local police and fire squads, and the local gas company investigated the smell.

“Even some people who live nearby smelled it, so we know it’s not just the school. It’s possible that something got into the sewage system, and a smell may have come up through a drain, but right now, it remains a mystery,” said Watt.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office said that the incident was “weird” and “very rare.” They still could not find a cause as of Thursday afternoon.

Watt said that the faculty, staff and students did exactly what they were told during a hectic morning.

“They did a wonderful job. They put the children first and foremost. They immediately got them to a secondary location, even though they are high school students. We contacted every parent to make sure so that they knew their child would be coming home unexpectedly,” said Watt.

School will resume tomorrow. School officials will be taking precautions should the odor re-appear.