MOURNERS at a funeral had to be evacuated from Redditch Crematorium during a service there this afternoon.
Action was taken by staff after smoke billowed into the area where the ceremony was taking place and the fire alarms went off.
One of those gathered said: “It was quite a shock and distressing but everyone remained calm and went back in for the conclusion of the service when we were able to.”
A spokesperson for Redditch Borough Council, which is responsible for the crematorium, said: “We are very sorry to the people who were affected by today’s fire alarm, and we’re talking to the affected families.
“It was triggered by an increase in emissions after a technical issue caused the crematorium’s back-up flue system to temporarily come into use, rather than the usual emission-cleaning main flue system.
“The building was of course quickly evacuated to ensure everyone’s safety, but the issue was promptly resolved.
“There was no danger to the public and the fire service did not need to attend.”
