Hampton Bays High School Temporarily Evacuated After Tire Explodes In Lobby

The Hampton Bays High School was evacuated and placed on lockdown Wednesday morning after the sound of an exploding tire echoed through the lobby of the building at around 8:30 a.m.

All students were bused to the Hampton Bays Middle School while Southampton Town Police investigated the source of the noise, in accordance with the district’s emergency plan, Superintendent Lars Clemensen said.

Police determined that the tire of a hand cart used to move traffic cones had exploded, though it was located out of sight behind other equipment in the lobby. The lockdown was lifted shortly after 10 a.m. and the students were bused back to the high school on East Argonne Road to resume their day.

Southampton School Superintendent Scott Farina said the buildings in his district were also placed on lockout, meaning everyone in the buildings could move freely within, but no one could exit or enter, as required in their emergency plan when a neighboring district reports such an incident. He said the move was purely precautionary, and the lockout was also lifted at around 10 a.m.

Southampton Town Police Lieutenant Michael Zarro said detectives searched the hallways and classrooms of the empty school to find the source of the noise, and also reviewed video surveillance, which revealed that the hand car had moved when the noise occurred. He said a security guard also pointed out that he had filled the tire earlier that day and had possibly overinflated it.

“Safety is the utmost priority of the Hampton Bays School District, and we appreciate the participation and support of local law enforcement, staff, and parents in the effective execution of the School District Safety Plan,” district officials said in a statement.