Buena Vista students unharmed after white powder envelope deemed 'non-hazardous'

Emergency crews responded Thursday after white powder was delivered to a Saskatoon elementary school.

Saskatoon Public Schools Superintendent Brent Hills said an envelope was sent directly to Buena Vista School’s main office.

“The office opened it, found a white substance and called 911 right away,” he said.

The school was evacuated and all 248 students were accounted for along with 35 staff members.

Parents told 650 CKOM they received messages informing them of the situation and that the children were safe.

“I left work right away to pick her up,” said Pam Andre, whose daughter is in grade two at the school. “You hear about all the other incidents and you just hope it’s a harmless substance.”

Saskatoon police said in a statement released just before 3 p.m. that tests by Saskatoon Fire had determined the substance was indeed non-hazardous and all staff and students were safe.

Hazmat crews blocked off Lorne Avenue between 4th and 5th Streets for over an hour, but as of 3:05 p.m. all traffic restrictions were lifted.

Police said the investigation is ongoing.

Hazmat on scene parents got a text saying white powder substance delivered to Beuna Vista School and kids are being moved to safe location pic.twitter.com/V6dTPympp2

— JT Marshall (@jtmarshallCKOM) March 23, 2017