The Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service (TTFS) and Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) continue to investigate a fire that broke out at St. Benedict’s College on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, prompting the evacuation of over 500 students and staff members.
The fire erupted shortly after 12:00 p.m. in the school’s auditorium, triggering an immediate emergency response from multiple agencies.
Responding promptly to the incident, personnel from the TTFS and T&TEC quickly isolated the auditorium from the electrical grid, effectively confining the fire to that area and preventing further damage to the school facility. The main structure of St. Benedict’s College remained intact, and the affected area has been secured to prevent unauthorized access.
All 525 students and 45 staff members were safely accounted for following the evacuation, with no injuries or casualties reported. Ambulance services remained on standby throughout the incident as a precautionary measure.
According to the Ministry of Education, teachers efficiently implemented the school’s Emergency Evacuation Protocol, using the public address system to instruct all students to proceed to the designated Muster Point at St. Benedict’s RC Church. The evacuation was described as having been “executed efficiently.”
Following the incident, the Ministry of Education authorized an early dismissal of students. Parents and guardians were promptly notified through multiple channels, including Edupage—the school’s Learning Management System—and the school’s social media platforms.
A formal Police Report has been filed at the La Romaine Police Post, and investigations will continue under the supervision of the San Fernando Police Station.
Minister of Education, Dr. the Honourable Michael Dowlath, emphasized the government’s commitment to student welfare in a statement released Wednesday.
“The safety and well-being of every student remains our highest priority,” Minister Dowlath stated. “Following the fire, all necessary measures were taken to ensure that students were safely evacuated, and we are working closely with the relevant authorities to restore normal operations as quickly as possible.”
The minister added that the government wants “to reassure parents, staff, and the public that every step is being taken to safeguard our children and their learning environment.”
In response to the traumatic incident, the Ministry’s Student Support Services Division (SSSD) will facilitate a counseling session for all staff members on Friday, October 3, 2025. Similar counseling sessions will be organized for students upon the resumption of classes to ensure their psychological well-being.
The Ministry anticipates minimal disruption to the academic schedule. Classes are expected to resume on Monday, October 6, 2025, subject to clearance from the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service and the Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA).