Dead if You Don’t

19

Saturday 12 August

17.00–18.00

In simulations, it had proven possible to evacuate every stand within eight minutes. Could that be achieved now, Adrian Morris wondered? He prepared to hit the panic button and order the total evacuation of the South Stand and the partial evacuation of the neighbouring West and East Stands — the seating blocks immediately adjacent — and called up on his screen the announcement he was about to read out over the public address. He glanced at his watch, every second feeling like an hour, his throat tight and his mouth dry, then read the words over to himself:

‘We regret that due to a security incident, play has been suspended. We are carrying out a partial evacuation in the stadium. Supporters in blocks A — E in the East and West Stands and all supporters in the South Stand are asked to leave in an orderly manner, and follow the instructions of the stewards and the police outside. A decision whether the match will restart will be made as soon as possible.’

The protocol was that he would order all concessions and toilets to be closed, immediately.

Oh God, he thought, staring again at the camera, then at the message, his guts twisting. Am I doing the right thing?

But is there any other option?