Elevator Smoke Causes Evacuation of Wright College

On Monday afternoon fire alarms blared at Wright College prompting evacuation of the building.The elevator in the events building was smoking due to oil according to Anna-Marie Morales, vice president of finance and operations. 

President Andres Oroz added, "There wasn't a fire it wasn't nothing drastic, it was just one of the motors in the elevator triggered some smoke." Art professor Johannah Silva was in her office in the events building when the alarms went off. “I had smelled something funny earlier and the elevator had been beeping for 2 to 3 hours," she said. "When the alarm went off in my mind I’m like I wonder if there’s a connection between these things.” Oroz said, "Those elevators and some of the alarms do have a small little beeping alarm so if folks hear any of those sounds please let security know so that we can be more proactive."

Students and staff were directed by Dean of Instruction George Kinlaw to stand across from the school in the south parking lot while Associate Dean of Instruction Larry Buonaguidi directed traffic away from the building before two firetrucks arrived on the scene. After about 30 minutes students and staff were allowed back in the building. On Monday the elevator was closed off with yellow caution tape until further notice.

This article was updated August 21 to include President Oroz's comments.

Firefighters from the Chicago Fire Department enter Wright College to address the elevator issue. Photo Credit: Kyle Chmielowski