MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) - Students at Walter Hill Elementary School experienced a brief disruption this (Thursday) afternoon following reports of smoke in the building. After an investigation by the fire department, officials confirmed the situation was caused by a mechanical failure rather than a fire.

Rutherford County Schools spokesman James Evans provided the following statement regarding the incident:

"Students were evacuated at approximately 2:20 this afternoon because of reports of smoke coming from the boiler room. We sent a message to parents to let them know about a possible delayed dismissal while the fire department investigated. Dismissal is normally at 2:30 p.m. A short while later, it was determined to be a broken steam pipe on the boiler. Students were allowed to return to the building but were kept in the gym for a modified dismissal. A second update was sent to parents to keep them informed. All students were safe, and the boiler is being repaired."

The modified dismissal was handled shortly after the building was cleared for reentry. Evans said parents of children at the school were kept in the loop on everything that was happening.