Burst Pipe Led to Johnson Evacuation

Students evacuate the Johnson building. (Georgina America)

Students evacuated the Johnson building during school hours on Thursday after a non-emergency situation set off the fire alarm. 

The fire alarm went off at 4:58 p.m., and students were cleared to re-enter the building fifteen minutes later once Campus Security and the Nashville Fire Department determined the cause. 

Belmont Campus Security and the Nashville Fire Department enter the Johnson building. (Georgina America)

“A pipe burst on the lower levels of the parking garage, which will automatically trigger an alarm,” said Mark Labbé, Belmont’s Chief of Campus Security, in an email to the Vision.  

Many students stopped their activities and evacuated as soon as they heard the alarm sound.  

“We had just ended class in the Large Johnson Theater, and the alarm went off,” said freshman Elonnie Davidson. 

While most evacuees only took their essential belongings with them, others decided make the most of their evacuation time.  

Sophomore Ryland Burgin was eating in the cafeteria with his friends when the alarm sounded and took his full plate of French fries, ketchup and his cup of water.  

“I used a meal swipe and I felt like I needed to get the most out of my swipe and my meal,” said Burgin.  

While munching on the rest of his meal, Burgin affirmed his intentions of returning his plate and cup to the cafeteria.  

There are no updates on the burst pipe, said Labbé. 

This article was written by Georgina America