A brand new university campus, a price tag of $853 million, and just three days into the semester, students were forced to evacuate. But this is not your typical fire drill! The Edith Cowan University's Perth CBD campus evacuation has sparked curiosity and concern among students and staff alike.
On Wednesday afternoon, a mysterious incident unfolded. Students reported strong fumes inside the building, prompting a swift evacuation. As hundreds of students spilled onto the streets, the question on everyone's mind was: what caused this sudden disruption?
The ABC's sources reveal a potential gas leak. Ongoing construction work may have triggered the leak, and there were fears that fumes had infiltrated the air vents, spreading throughout the nine-story building. The situation was so severe that the fumes were noticeable even outside, in the Yagan Square area.
The campus transformed into a hub of confusion as students, teachers, security, and police mingled outside. Some students reported smelling paint fumes, while others were left in the dark, unsure if this was a real emergency or a mere drill.
But here's where it gets controversial. Campus officials informed students that the campus would remain closed, but the reason for the evacuation was not immediately clear. The university's statement confirmed an emergency alarm on level four, but the cause of the alarm remains a subject of investigation.
While the university assures that all students and staff were safely evacuated, some students seized the opportunity for an early break, heading straight to the pub. This incident adds to a series of teething issues for the new campus.
Controversy alert: The campus has already faced challenges, including asbestos found in fire doors and students trapped in a lift. The university obtained an exemption from work health and safety regulations to open, despite the asbestos issue. This raises questions about the balance between rapid campus development and ensuring student safety.
As the investigation continues, one thing is certain: this evacuation will be a memorable start to the semester for those involved. What do you think about the university's handling of this situation? Share your thoughts and keep the conversation going!
