The first test between New Zealand and South Africa held at at the University Oval in Dunedin has been delayed due after a fire alarm went off in the main grandstand on March 10, forcing an evacuation of the entire venue. The alarm started going off at the venue after the tea session on the third day with South Africa having scored 14 for 1 in their second innings. The proteas are still 19 runs behind New Zealand’s 341.
The main stand, which houses the changing rooms, was being evacuated before an announcement was made that the entire venue had to be evacuated, causing confusion amongst the players and crowd. Hashim Amla was on nine, while Dean Elgar was five not out when play was stopped.
PLAY STOPPED: Fire alarms go off at the University Oval and the grandstand is being evacuated!https://t.co/oVwasUxgyM #NZvSA
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) March 10, 2017
The fire brigade has arrived and there are reports that everyone at the venue has to evacuate.#NZvSA
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) March 10, 2017
Extraordinary scenes at Uni Oval in Dunedin as Test stopped by FULL venue evacuation!! pic.twitter.com/GEe5vXcb0v
— Neil Manthorp (@NeilManthorp) March 10, 2017
Full ground evacuation at the University of Otago Oval. Siren going off in main stand. Cause unknown. Protocols being followed #NZvSA ^WN pic.twitter.com/urpvkeuetc
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 10, 2017
The firefighters rushed towards the venue and after evacuating the stands, they checked the premises to find out the reason why the alarm rang. After searching the premises, the authorities stated that it was a false alarm. After getting clearance from the fire services the play resumed.
Play is back underway after fire services checked and cleared the grandstand. Time for some spin with Santner on. Saf 14-1, trail by 19 ^WN pic.twitter.com/DQa2EEUoP9
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 10, 2017
