Transport Commissioner Clive Clarke has confirmed that a faulty smoke alarm mechanism was the reason behind the evacuation of the Caroni Licensing Office on July 11 and 12. Rumors of a bomb scare were dismissed by Clarke, who explained that maintenance workers using a grinder in the toilet areas likely triggered the alarm system with fine dust. He assured that the situation was under control and no danger was present.
According to Clarke, the fire services department quickly responded to reset the alarm after the first incident. However, when maintenance workers returned the next day, the alarm was triggered once again, leading to the evacuation. Clarke emphasized that the safety of all occupants was a top priority, hence the evacuation as per standard procedures.
After a brief interruption, work at the licensing office resumed, with the fire services arriving promptly on both occasions. Clarke mentioned that further maintenance checks would be conducted over the weekend to address the faulty receiver on the alarm. He expressed gratitude for the orderly manner in which the evacuation was carried out and assured that necessary actions were being taken to prevent future alarm triggers.