UPDATE: 5 Ward Melville Students Treated, Released from Hospital Tuesday

LONG ISLAND, NY -- 

UPDATE, 6:20 p.m. – Three Village school superintendent Cheryl Pedisich released a statement saying all five students, who are in the 10th grade, have been released from the hospital. The statement reads as follows:

"The district believes that these symptoms were the result of the consumption of brownies potentially containing harmful toxins, which were obtained by a fellow classmate. The district’s utmost concern is for the safety and well-being of these students. ... The district is conducting an internal investigation and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken as necessary."

UPDATE, 4:11 p.m. – A school spokesperson confirmed that five students were taken to Stony Brook University Hospital after eating brownies. The school district is continuing its investigation.

ORIGINAL STORY

Suffolk police and the Setauket Fire Department responded to what police described as a "medical event" at Ward Melville High School on Tuesday.

Setauket Fire Chief Dennis Mirante said five people suffering from tachycardia – an elevated heart rate – were transported to a local hospital shortly after noon on Tuesday.

"The common factor appeared to be the consumption of brownies that induced the symptoms," Mirante said.

It was not immediately clear whether the incident involved students or adults.

School officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

This is a developing story that will be updated when more information becomes available.