DUBAI — Hundreds of children from schools, nurseries and day-care centres in the emirate were sent home early on Wednesday, following the explosion and fire at a warehouse in Al Quoz.
Eleven schools, six in Al Quoz and five in the neighbouring areas, were closed after the explosion. Schools could remain closed today if there is a risk of children being exposed to toxic fumes.
Some schools even moved pupils to safer areas to protect them from the toxic smoke that blanketed most parts of the city. Parents also received calls and were asked to pick up their wards.
In Al Quoz, Abi Hanifa, Anisa Al Ansariah, Dubai American Scientific School, Dubai First School, Dubai International School and Deans International School were evacuated immediately. Neighbouring schools like Al Safa, Al Razi, Horizon English School, Jumeirah English Speaking School, Safa English School, Emirates International School, Jumeirah Primary School, Jumeirah College, Little Wonders Nursery, Safa Kindergarten Nursery also closed early.
Deans International School situated very close to the factory was forced to take quick steps for the safety of its students.
The Principal of the school, Chadi Hamzo, said, 'We heard the explosion around 7am and at that time, pupils were on the way to the school. I immediately instructed all our buses to turn back and drop them home. We informed the parents and explained the reason. We didn't want the chemical fumes to affect our students.'
He said the school would be closed on Thursday, too.
Makarm Boughanem, a parent, said, 'I was on my way to work when I got a call from my two-year-old son's nursery located near Safa Park. Teachers informed me of the fire and requested me to take him back immediately. When I rushed to the nursery, the whole place was smelly and smoke had engulfed the area.'
He added that many young children were anxiously waiting for their parents. 'I was extremely concerned when my child's school called me up informing me of the incident. Since the school was acting in the children's best interests, I am happy they took the decision,' said a British mother whose child attends Jumeirah Primary School.
Schools Agency of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) contacted Dubai Civil Defence and it was agreed to immediately evacuate six schools in the area. Five schools in the neighbouring areas were also evacuated.
In a statement to KT, the authority said these measures had been taken to avoid exposing students to the smoke and ashes and reduce congestion in the area to allow the authorities smooth access to the neighbourhood.
Fatma Al Marri, CEO of the Dubai Schools Agency, said, 'We immediately activated our plans to secure students' safety in close coordination with Dubai Civil Defence, the affected schools' principals and parents. Our crisis team called all schools in the area to assist them fully in dealing with the challenges posed by the disaster.'
KHDA officials said that if children were exposed to detrimental toxic smoke again, a similar decision would be taken. Dubai Schools Agency will coordinate with school principals and determine if there is any risk and decide accordingly. Parents have been advised to check with schools before they drop off their wards.
Dubai-based Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, Raymond Hamden said that such incidents could have an impact on children because of their lack of understanding of the consequences. 'For children away from their parents, it would have added more fear as at a young age the family is still their world for protection, regardless of how the school maintains its sensitivity and protection for its students. Sounds are frightening because it constitutes danger of the unknown.'
By Preeti Kannan and Zoe Sinclair (Our staff reporter)