An air conditioner installed at a smart classroom in the Corporation Middle School at Thirunagar Colony in the city reportedly exploded, damaging computers and gadgets here on Tuesday.
Police said around 9 a.m., a teacher unlocked the classroom located in the first floor, for conducting classes under ‘Illam Thedi Kalvi’ (education at doorstep) scheme. She switched on the AC and found black smoke emanating from it. She informed headmistress S. Arunadevi who in turn alerted Fire and Rescue Services Department and Corporation officials.
Students present in the nearby classrooms were shifted to a safe location. Soon, local people gathered in large numbers at the school. Officials said that under the scheme, classes were conducted regularly in the school and 20 persons attended classes on Monday. Since the strength was increased to 40 on Tuesday, the smart classroom was opened to accommodate the additional strength.
According to the police, fire broke out and the air conditioner exploded and melted completely. Few computers, a prompter, screen and other gadgets in the room were also damaged.
Firefighters arrived on the spot and put out the smoke. Police and corporation officials inspected the classroom that was completely damaged. Officials said short-circuit could be the reason for the mishap and added that the cause could be ascertained only after a detailed inquiry.
