WESTPORT — A Jeep struck Staples High School, causing a gas leak in a classroom kitchen and forcing evacuation of the building about 7:45 a.m. Wednesday, authorities said.

The vehicle was driven by an adult female, who was uninjured, according to a report by Assistant Fire Chief Jeffrey Gootman. She was able to exit the Jeep by the time firefighters arrived on the scene.

The school was evacuated, Supt. of Schools Thomas Scarice said in an emailed message, because of safety concerns over the gas leak.

Gas was “actively leaking” as a result of the accident, but was “quickly shut off and multiple fans were used to ventilate the gas from the building,” Gootman said.

The superintendent, in a message about an hour later, said police and fire officials determined there was no longer a safety threat, and students and staff were allowed to return to the building.

In the immediate aftermath of the incident, police advised drivers to avoid congested North Avenue, Cross Highway and Long Lots Road near the high school.

Police cleared traffic to resume on the streets shortly after 9 a.m.

The incident also had a ripple effect on morning school bus routes for Greens Farms and Long Lots elementary schools, Scarice said, which experienced delays.