Arabic version: تم إخلاء حرم جامعة إديث كوان بسبب تقارير عن تسرب غاز
Edith Cowan University’s new $853 million campus in Perth’s CBD was evacuated just three days after opening for lectures, following reports of fumes and a possible gas leak. Hundreds of students and staff were cleared from the nine-storey building as a precaution, with no injuries reported, and the campus was closed for the day. According to ABC News, the university is currently investigating the cause of the incident, and it remains unclear if classes will resume on Thursday.
Students reported strong fumes inside the building leading up to the evacuation. Many were seen leaving the campus just before 2 PM on Wednesday. Some students indicated that security informed them of a potential gas leak, which was allegedly triggered by ongoing construction work. Concerns were raised that fumes had entered the air vents and spread throughout the building.
As the emergency alarm sounded, students, teachers, security personnel, and police gathered outside the campus. Reports indicated that many students smelled paint fumes prior to the alarm, with some initially believing it was a drill. A message sent to students stated that the city campus would remain closed for the day and advised those needing to retrieve essential items to meet support staff in Yagan Square.
The university confirmed an emergency alarm was triggered on level four, leading to the evacuation as per safety protocols. Student Anand Christie, who arrived for his second day of classes, expressed mixed feelings about missing class due to the evacuation. Another student, Fiona Mushoma, described the evacuation as initially scary but ultimately calm and orderly.
This incident is part of a series of issues faced by the new campus, which relocated from Mount Lawley to Yagan Square. Previous problems included the discovery of asbestos in fire doors and an incident where students were trapped in a lift. The university’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor confirmed that emergency services were called to assist students stuck in the lift, ensuring no injuries occurred. The lift has since been taken offline for inspection and testing.
