Bruges (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A bicycle battery exploded in the underground garage of Maricolen school in Bruges, causing heavy smoke. Caretaker Robin Decroock led the safe evacuation of 1,500 people; no injuries reported.
As VRT News reported, a fire broke out at the Maricolen school because a bike, parked in an underground area in Bruges, Belgium, caused significant smoke. According to Robin Decroock, the school’s caretaker, the bike’s location led to the rapid spread of smoke throughout the building. Students had not yet arrived for classes.
How did a bike battery fire prompt a safe evacuation in Bruges?
Once the smoke was noticed, Decroock promptly triggered the fire alarm, and the whole school was evacuated. Around 1,500 people, comprising students and staff, were quickly evacuated from the building and led to a safe location in the adjacent Sebrechtspark. Officials mentioned that the evacuation was carried out without any panic, with everyone exiting the building in an orderly fashion.
After the fire department responded, they tried as fast as possible to extinguish the fire and dissipate the smoke from the building. Authorities said that their speedy response was quite crucial in preventing further damage and restoring the school to normal as quickly as possible.
By around 9 a.m., the building had been inspected and cleared as safe, and the students were able to return to their classes. Although there was an issue in the early morning, the school day did not begin late.
Firefighters mentioned that because the caretaker was quick to think, the evacuation went smoothly, and the fire department came fast, the situation was managed well. The day continued without any big issues for the students or the people who work there.
