ALL IS WELL: Students Safely Evacuated After AC Unit Malfunction Interrupts NODS Drill
Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Minister Rawdon Turner attended the scene after an air-conditioning unit atop the building malfunctioned.
Students and other occupants were safely evacuated from the National Performing Arts Centre, formerly the Deluxe Cinema, after an air-conditioning unit atop the building malfunctioned and began emitting smoke during a drill organised by the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS).
The exercise, scheduled to take place between 11 a.m. and noon, ended prematurely when the malfunction was detected. Everyone inside was evacuated, and fire trucks were called to the venue.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Minister of Social and Urban Transformation, Hon. Rawdon Turner, were at the scene following the incident.
Turner indicated that the malfunction was being addressed.
The evacuation allowed emergency personnel to assess the situation while students and other participants were safely outside the facility.
Although the incident interrupted the planned activity, it underscored the importance of emergency preparedness, cooperation and prompt action when a potential hazard arises.
This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2026/10/27/all-is-well-students-safely-evacuated-after-ac-unit-malfunction-interrupts-nods-drill. © 2026 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.
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