The Davos Congress Center was evacuated on Wednesday during the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting due to concerns about a mysterious smell. Reports from attendees indicated that some individuals in the area were coughing, prompting emergency response measures.
Fox Business reporter Edward Lawrence shared updates via social media, noting that emergency crews were investigating the cause of the smell. Video footage revealed attendees exiting the building while fire crews entered the premises to manage the situation.
Details of the Incident
The evacuation occurred around 8:00 PM local time on January 21, 2026. Although some sources suggested that the odor might be related to a fire at a nearby hotel, officials confirmed that there were no signs of a fire within the conference center itself. The WEF has utilized the Davos Congress Center as its primary venue since 1971, hosting key sessions and meetings for world leaders, CEOs, and delegates.
Journalist Lilli Gruber, part of an Italian media team, reported having to leave their equipment behind as they exited the building mid-set-up for a live broadcast. Gruber noted the heightened response, with helicopters observed flying overhead and numerous firefighters on the scene, further indicating the seriousness of the response from local authorities.
Context of the WEF Annual Meeting
The evacuation took place following significant discussions among global leaders on pressing issues such as the Russia-Ukraine war and trade negotiations concerning Greenland. U.S. President Donald Trump, who addressed the forum earlier in the day, was still in the facility at the time of the incident.
The evacuation affected all attendees, including the large U.S. delegation led by President Trump and various cabinet members. Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries or other concerns beyond the immediate disruption caused by the evacuation.
By 8:33 PM local time, Lawrence reported that the evacuation order had been lifted, allowing attendees to return to the conference center. The fire crews investigating the situation stated that their checks had confirmed that the source of the smell was not hazardous.
Local fire department officials assured that the situation had been managed and that the fire was entirely extinguished after the precautionary evacuation measures. Gruber also reiterated that the likely source of the odor was linked to a fire at a nearby hotel.
In an unrelated incident, Air Force One had to turn back during its flight over the Atlantic due to an electrical issue. Fortunately, the U.S. delegation was able to make an emergency landing and continue their journey to Davos without significant delay.
This incident at the WEF has underscored the level of security and safety measures in place during such high-profile events attended by global leaders. Events like these require prompt attention to any potential hazards to ensure the safety of all participants.