ECU City Campus Evacuated After Student Trapped in Elevator
Edith Cowan University's brand-new $853 million city campus in Perth was evacuated on Wednesday, following an incident where a student became trapped in an elevator on level four. This disruption occurred merely three days into the first semester, causing significant inconvenience for students and staff.
Emergency Response and Safety Protocols
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services was promptly called to the scene just before 2pm, responding to the university's automatic alarm system activation. No injuries were reported, and all individuals were safely evacuated as a precautionary measure, in accordance with established safety protocols.
In a statement, an ECU spokesperson confirmed the emergency alarm had been triggered and emphasized the university's commitment to safety. "ECU is continuing its investigation into how the alarm was sounded but can confirm that there were no injuries reported and all students and staff were evacuated safely," the spokesperson said.
Timing and Campus Operations
This incident comes at a critical time for the campus, which had only opened for orientation on February 2 and began classes on Monday. The evacuation highlights the challenges of managing a new facility, underscoring the importance of robust emergency systems in educational environments.
- The evacuation was triggered by the student's entrapment in the lift.
- Safety protocols were followed to ensure everyone's well-being.
- Classes and campus activities were temporarily halted during the response.
As ECU investigates the cause of the alarm activation, the university reassures the community of its dedication to maintaining a secure learning environment. This event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of campus emergencies and the need for continuous safety evaluations.
