A major business event at Melbourne's premier convention facility was thrown into chaos on Wednesday when a fire alarm prompted the immediate evacuation of thousands of attendees from the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The sudden alarm sent crowds streaming out of the building as emergency protocols were activated throughout the complex. Convention centre staff and security personnel worked swiftly to direct people to designated assembly points while emergency services rushed to the scene.
Emergency Response in Action
Multiple fire trucks and emergency vehicles were spotted arriving at the Southbank location as authorities assessed the situation. Witnesses reported seeing emergency crews entering the building with equipment to investigate the source of the alarm.
"The response was incredibly professional," one attendee noted. "Staff knew exactly what to do and kept everyone calm while we moved to safety."
Event Disruption and Aftermath
The evacuation caused significant disruption to the scheduled programming, with presentations and networking sessions being abruptly halted. Attendees gathered outside for approximately 45 minutes while emergency services conducted their investigation.
While the exact cause of the alarm activation remains under investigation, early reports suggest it may have been triggered by a technical fault rather than an actual fire emergency. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of robust emergency protocols in large public venues.
The convention centre has since resumed normal operations, with events continuing as scheduled following the all-clear from emergency services.
