30 people stung during school drill

CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) - A fire drill at Western Hills Middle School Monday morning was interrupted outside when a total of 30 people, 26 of which were students were stung by yellow jackets.

According to the Cranston Public Schools Human Resource Director, Ray Votto, around ten o'clock the nest located under a walkway was disturbed and the insects began to swarm the students.

"We all went out and then a swarm of bees surrounded all of us," said Melissa Corso, a student who was stung.

One of the students was taken to a local hospital by an ambulance as a precaution due to allergies. There's no word on his or her condition at this time. Officials say a teacher also went home with possibly up to a dozen stings.

"All of the teachers wanted us to get in a single file line, but that wasn't going to happen because everyone was everywhere," said Corso.

Four school nurses, as well as the Cranston Fire Department responded to the scene to treat the students.

Parents have been notified, and have arrived at the middle school to pick up their children.

The area has been cordoned off and sprayed.