Hundreds of customers at an IKEA store in Exeter were asked to leave the premises as a precautionary measure after a vehicle hit a sprinkler system in an underground parking lot. The incident triggered fire alarms, leading to the evacuation of over 300 individuals. Witnesses reported that a section of the parking area had become flooded.
Following the evacuation, staff members managed traffic flow, diverting vehicles away from the building. An eyewitness mentioned hearing an alarm indicating a technical issue with the sprinkler system in the parking lot, prompting customers to exit the store, which was then closed.
IKEA Exeter confirmed the evacuation was a safety protocol in response to the car park incident and expressed regret for any inconvenience caused. The store underwent assessment before reopening within an hour. A spokesperson emphasized prioritizing customer and staff safety and appreciated everyone’s cooperation during the evacuation process.
IKEA Exeter, established in 2018, is situated approximately four miles southeast of Exeter’s city center, accessible from the M5 and A379. The store boasts a spacious parking facility capable of accommodating up to 1,000 vehicles.
