Schwerin State Theater evacuated after smoke develops
Around 500 people were evacuated from the Schwerin State Theater to safety on Friday evening due to smoke developing in the building. No one was injured. The reason for the smoke was a fire in a shaft at the side entrance to the theater, as the police announced early Saturday morning. The smoke had entered the interior of the building through the ventilation system installed in the shaft. The cause of the fire was initially unclear. The police are investigating on suspicion of arson.
According to the police, a performance of the opera "Carmen" was taking place in the "Großes Haus" when the incident was reported. In the meantime, the people who had to leave the building were able to stay in the State Chancellery, which had been specially opened. Around an hour and a half later, after the theater had been ventilated, people were able to collect their belongings that they had left behind in the late evening.
The evacuation of the theater due to smoke led many to consider potential emergencies related to fires. Despite the fire in the shaft, the cause remained unclear, prompting an arson investigation.
Source: www.dpa.com
