Smoke at works site leads to airport evacuation

Steel-framed structure under construction at Owen Roberts Airport

(CNS): Travellers and staff were evacuated from Owen Roberts International Airport (ORIA) Wednesday lunchtime after smoke was spotted at the site where a new baggage hall building is being constructed as part of the ongoing expansion project. Officials from the Cayman Islands Airports Authority (CIAA) said that the source of the smoke has not been confirmed but it is believed to have come from smouldering insulation material during steel works.

According to a statement released from the CIAA at 12:50 pm today, the airport was cleared after the contractor’s designated fire watchman promptly stopped the work and two fire extinguishers were used to smother the insulation.

The Cayman Islands Fire Service arrived on the scene shortly after but no damage was reported and the CIAA said the construction team’s response was in accordance with its work safety plan and hot works permit, which includes having fire extinguishers near the area as well as the watchman to monitor the works.

“The CIAA also met its safety requirement to have the airport evacuated within five minutes of any incident,” officials stated. “The Airports Authority would like to thank their customers and airport partners for their patience and apologize for any inconvenience caused.”