Curaçao schools close after scrapyard fire

Schools in Buena Vista, Heintje Kool and surrounding areas of Curaçao were told to remain closed on Friday 23 October after a fire at a scrapyard, according to Curaçao's Education and Science Sector. The sector said the precaution was intended to protect students, teachers and other school personnel from dangers linked to the fire and its aftermath.

The recommendation covered Kol pa Formashon Integral Tirso Martha, Juan Pablo Duarte VSBO and AGO, Skol Nechi Pietersz, and Emmy Berthold School, which is located in the Cola Debrot building. The sector urged parents and guardians not to send children to school or allow them to walk through affected locations, citing possible health and wellbeing risks.

According to the Education and Science Sector, the Curaçao Fire Department, Airport Fire Department and Police Force KPC responded to the fire with other organisations. Nearby residents were warned about smoke in the area. The sector said it was monitoring the situation with government agencies responsible for public safety, and government was expected to announce over the weekend of 24-25 October whether the affected schools can resume classes on Monday 19 October.