Authorities implemented evacuation procedures on December 19, 2024, when bomb threats targeted three of Angers' major high schools: Lycée Chevrollier, Lycée Saint-Benoît, and Lycée Sacré-Cœur. Around 1:20 PM, the alarm was raised, leading to immediate actions taken by school officials and local police.
Students and staff were swiftly evacuated from the premises, creating a tense but orderly atmosphere. One witness at Lycée Chevrollier remarked, "The evacuation was conducted without panic, though nerves were high among students and teachers alike." The prefecture of Maine-et-Loire confirmed the closure of the schools, emphasizing the preemptive nature of the evacuations. "Given the absence of evidence negated the risk, it was decided to evacuate these institutions,” stated the prefecture officials.
The decision to dismiss classes early was made collaboratively by the prefecture, the Departmental Directorate of National Education (DSDEN), and the diocesan authority. Students shared their experiences of the event, with one student from Sacré-Cœur saying, "We were just told to leave and not worry," illustrating the instructions they received during this unsettling time.
An alarming call had been made to the police, with claims of three bombs placed within the schools. Eric Bouillard, the public prosecutor, confirmed the receipt of the threatening call. An investigation has been launched, targeting the identification of the individual responsible. Bouillard stated, "We have opened inquiries for threats of crime due to the severity of this case, as this offense can lead to six months of imprisonment. The incident was taken very seriously, especially considering prior events involving false alarms at educational institutions.”
Only the day before, on February 7, another bomb threat occurred at Lycée Jean Moulin, also requiring evacuation. This incident involved approximately 600 individuals who were temporarily sheltered at a nearby gymnasium. Information gathered suggested this could be related to false alerts sent via email, signaling a pattern of such threats noted recently within Angers.
Just weeks earlier, on January 17, the University of Angers had also been targeted by bomb threats transmitted through email. Students from various campuses, including Saint Serge and Belle-Beille, faced similar scares, all resulting from false alerts. These repeated acts have raised concerns about student safety and has put pressure on local authorities to respond vigorously to each incident.
When threats arise within educational settings, school safety measures come under scrutiny. The prompt actions taken by school administrations and law enforcement reflect the emphasis on preventive measures. The shared experience of students and staff during these evacuations highlighted the effectiveness of safety protocols, even as anxiety loomed over the events.
The Maine-et-Loire prefecture has indicated its commitment to restoring normality as quickly as possible, with aspirations for schools to resume classes under safe conditions. With the risk being alleviated, the aim is to return to normal schedules as early as the following day. Bouillard added, "Everything will be done to identify the perpetrator and possibly prosecute those responsible for this disruption. Such actions have severe legal consequences, and we aim to uphold safety within our schools."
Angers has seen heightened alertness among its schools, prompting administration officials to collaborate closely with law enforcement agencies. The immediate steps taken during these recent threats reflect the cooperative efforts between various educational and safety organizations. Parents and students remain understandably anxious, but they can take comfort in the swift response from local authorities aiming to protect them from harm.
Moving forward, Angers schools are preparing to address the fears stemming from these warnings. The repercussions of constantly having to address false alarms can be far-reaching, impacting educational environments and community trust. Nonetheless, the commitment to molding secure educational spaces remains strong, giving not just students, but parents, peace of mind.
