Laptop Battery Incident Sends Students, Staff for Medical Checks at Newark Elementary School

City firefighters were called to a classroom on Tuesday afternoon when a laptop battery overheated and started burning. A nearby hospital received several Newark elementary school students and personnel.

Newark municipal authorities say a laptop’s lithium-ion battery died at 2:20 p.m. in a basement classroom at Greater Oaks Legacy Downtown Elementary School. After the battery failed and smoke filled the room, school administrators phoned 911 for safety.

Firefighters promptly found smoke in the classroom, but officials claimed there was no fire or threat. Many students and adults were sent to Bergen Street University Hospital for smoke inhalation.

Later, officials reported no hospitalizations. Since no serious health issues were detected, all patients were examined out and sent home the same day. School authorities stressed that the response was deliberate and focused on student and staff safety.

The Great Oaks Legacy Charter Schools school stated one Chromebook’s hardware was defective. Officials said the incident only affected one classroom.

Some nearby courses were moved to safer rooms after the event. The school nurse cleared a few children to return.

School authorities said there is no internal inquiry because the issue appears to be gadget technology, not abuse or atmosphere. The school’s tech team replaced all campus gadgets with the identical model to avoid future issues.

The school network also said it is in direct contact with the equipment manufacturer and waiting for safety advice.

City officials say school and emergency workers’ quick responses calmed things and prioritized student safety.

Sources

Newark Public Safety Department
Great Oaks Legacy Charter Schools
University Hospital, Newark