A potentially hazardous situation unfolded in Belize City on Monday morning when a significant gas leak prompted the immediate evacuation of two educational institutions. Authorities confirmed that both Belize Elementary School and Belize High School were successfully cleared of all students and staff following the detection of a strong butane odor permeating the campus environment around 11:30 a.m.
The emergency response was triggered when school administrators identified the distinct smell originating from a commercial burger establishment situated directly opposite the school premises. Principal Majiba Sharp implemented the institution’s comprehensive emergency protocol, which involved simultaneous student dismissal and immediate notification to the Belize National Fire Service.
Communication systems functioned optimally during the crisis, with parental notification occurring through multiple digital channels including text messaging, email distributions, and dedicated class communication groups. This multi-platform approach ensured rapid parental response, facilitating efficient student retrieval from the school grounds.
Fire department personnel arriving on scene traced the source to a compromised gas tank at the adjacent food service business. Emergency crews successfully isolated and removed the damaged container, subsequently declaring the area safe. Fire officials commended the school’s administration for their prompt response and effective execution of emergency procedures, noting that the swift action prevented potential health complications.
Academic operations are anticipated to resume normally on Tuesday following comprehensive safety verification by appropriate authorities. The incident has highlighted the effectiveness of modern emergency communication systems in educational settings during public safety incidents.