Nothing major was damaged when a fire broke out at the San Fernando Central Secondary School on Wednesday morning, which triggered early dismissal of classes.
This was confirmed by Education Minister Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly. Responding to the fire, the Minister said: "Nothing major was damaged. The issue was contained very quickly and effectively."
Firefighters, personnel from the T&TEC and police responded promptly to the fire which broke out in a Form Five classroom.
A source at the school said that shortly after 10 am, a loud explosion was heard and an air conditioning unit started to smoke. The fire was quickly contained. Unconfirmed reports from parents were that similar electrical malfunctions occurred in the library and the principal's office.
Speaking to Guardian Media, a parent who requested anonymity said after the air conditioning unit blew, the staff and safety officers quickly evacuated everyone to the muster point.
"They told us to line up on the field, get our bags and line up. I called my mommy and granny, aunty and cousin," one student said.
After the school was given clearance, the students were dismissed.
However, some parents were not pleased, saying all the students should have been kept at the muster point until their parents arrived to collect them.
"The children are all over as they wait for their parents. This is not right. The children should not be sent out of the school," the parent said.
Brenton Rambally, another parent said he came to pick up his two children from Forms Four and Five but was happy no one got hurt.
Another parent Rakesh Goolcharan said he was happy with the way the matter was handled.
"The school took all the precautions and evacuated the students and kept them at the muster point until it was clear for them to be dismissed," Goolcharan said.