On Monday, April 7, 2025, classes were suspended at Preparatoria 5 of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) following a reported bomb threat that led to a swift evacuation of approximately 3,000 students. The incident unfolded around midday when an emergency call prompted the mobilization of the Secretaría de Seguridad Ciudadana (SSC) of Mexico City, leading to an immediate response from specialized units.
According to reports, students were initially informed of a supposed gas leak, which quickly escalated into rumors of a bomb threat. Eyewitness accounts from students indicated that the evacuation was chaotic, with many unsure of the actual reason behind the sudden dismissal from classes. Antonio, a student at the school, recounted, "We were told to leave because of a gas leak, but then it turned into a bomb threat. It was confusing and scary."
The SSC confirmed that personnel from the Fuerza de Tarea Zorros, a specialized task force trained to handle explosive devices, arrived at the scene located on Calzada del Hueso in the Exhacienda de Coapa neighborhood of Tlalpan. Upon investigation, officers discovered a suitcase containing a cell phone connected to a numerical counter and two blue-colored bottles. Fortunately, after thorough examination, the police determined that these items did not pose any danger.
In a statement shared on social media, the SSC reported, "After reviewing the device, it was concluded that it did not represent any risk, being a cell phone connected to a numerical counter and two bottles with blue-colored water." Despite the all-clear, the school remained closed for the remainder of the day as a precautionary measure.
As the situation developed, videos circulated on social media showing emergency personnel in protective suits outside the school's entrance, further heightening the sense of urgency and concern among students and parents. The school's administration did not issue an immediate statement regarding the incident, leading to speculation and anxiety within the community.
Students from the Prepa 5 took to social media to share their experiences and the unfolding situation. An Instagram account named protestalibrep5 posted an image of the supposed explosive device, stating, "Today at 11:09 AM, a presumed bomb was found outside the e39 student space, and we provided this artifact to the school administration due to the misinformation we had." This post highlighted the students' proactive approach in dealing with the confusion surrounding the incident.
Interestingly, this is not the first time Prepa 5 has faced a bomb threat. In 2020, a similar alert was reported at the same institution, which later turned out to be a false alarm. The Secretaría de Gestión Integral de Riesgos y Protección Civil confirmed at that time that no suspicious devices were found after a thorough investigation.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident on the same day, SSC officers apprehended a man at a market located on the border of the Iztacalco and Iztapalapa districts. The suspect was found in possession of 200 doses of drugs, including a replica firearm, and various forms of cocaine. The police had been conducting investigations based on citizen reports when they observed the suspect attempting to flee from the scene.
The SSC stated, "The officers, while conducting field and desk investigations in response to various citizen complaints, observed a man descending from a black and orange motorcycle wearing a ballistic vest. Upon noticing the police presence, he attempted to flee." The arrest led to the discovery of 44 white paper wrappers, a bulk bag containing a solid substance resembling cocaine, and 186 bags of the same drug in stone form.
As the day progressed, the situation at Prepa 5 remained tense, with students and faculty anxiously awaiting updates from school officials. The evacuation protocol was implemented to ensure the safety of all individuals on campus, demonstrating the institution's commitment to prioritizing student welfare in the face of potential threats.
In the aftermath of the evacuation, the lack of communication from the school administration raised questions among parents and the local community regarding the effectiveness of the emergency response plan. Many expressed their concerns about the need for clearer communication during such incidents to prevent panic and misinformation.
As of late afternoon on April 7, 2025, the Prepa 5 of UNAM had not released any further statements concerning the bomb threat or the subsequent investigation. The school's closure remained in effect until further notice, leaving students and their families in a state of uncertainty.
This incident underscores the importance of preparedness in educational institutions for handling emergencies, especially those involving potential threats to student safety. The swift response from the authorities and the proactive measures taken by students reflect a community that is vigilant and ready to act in the face of uncertainty.
As the investigation continues, both the SSC and the school administration are expected to review the protocols in place to ensure that the safety of students and staff remains paramount in the future. The events of April 7 serve as a reminder of the critical need for effective communication and rapid response in times of crisis.
