NEW BEDFORD All students at Hayden McFadden Elementary School in New Bedford were safe Tuesday afternoon after the school was evacuated when a power outage and smoke were reported, Superintendent Andrew O'Leary said in a statement.
"At approximately 1:30 p.m. today, we were notified of a power outage and smoke at Hayden McFadden," O'Leary said. "The New Bedford Fire Department responded immediately, and all students were safely evacuated to the designated outdoor areas."
"The fault appears to be related to an air handling unit, which was shut down," O'Leary said.
Dismissal went ahead
By about 2:10 p.m., students had gathered in their regular dismissal areas to be picked up by parents and guardians, O'Leary said. "All students were safe throughout the incident," he said.
O'Leary said the district will share any additional updates as needed.
About the school
Hayden McFadden Elementary School is at 361 Cedar Grove St. and is part of New Bedford Public Schools, according to the school's website. Families with questions can call the school at 508-997-4511, ext. 49552, the number listed on the school's website.
Label: Reported by us, from the town's posted records.
How we verified this
Every fact about Tuesday's evacuation comes from the written statement of Superintendent Andrew O'Leary of New Bedford Public Schools, provided to South Coast 360 for publication at 2:44 p.m. Oct. 20, 2026, and quoted here as written. The school's name, address and phone number come from the school's own website, read Oct. 20, 2026.
Corrections
No corrections to this story. If something here is wrong, tell us. Every correction is dated on the story and listed in our public log.
Sources (2)
- Hayden McFadden Elementary SchoolNew Bedford Public Schools. School name and address (361 Cedar Grove Street, New Bedford, MA 02746). Read Oct. 20, 2026.
- Staff Directory, Hayden McFadden Elementary SchoolNew Bedford Public Schools. School phone number (508-997-4511, Ext. 49552). Read Oct. 20, 2026.