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Human remains were found in the chimney of a public school in Queens, New York, on Tuesday morning while officials were investigating a foul odor, according to police.
The remains were discovered at P.S./I.S. 113 Anthony J. Pranzo shortly before 9 a.m. Police were called to the elementary and middle school, and authorities are now working to identify the deceased individual.
The city’s medical examiner removed the remains and will determine the cause of death.
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It is unclear how long the remains had been there or how they ended up in the chimney.
No students or staff were in the building when the remains were uncovered, as school ended for the summer on Friday and the school was closed for construction, police said.
Contractors had been working on the building over the last few days, and police are now trying to confirm whether all the workers have been accounted for, according to the New York Daily News.
Permits were obtained for wiring, hot water heating and other work, City Buildings Department records show.
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The City Department of Education described the discovery of the corpse as “deeply upsetting and concerning.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.