NewsUK NewsIkeaIKEA shoppers were told to leave their purchased goods behind and evacuate after a van reportedly hit a sprinkler system in the store's car park, which triggered fire alarms15:23, 16 Jul 2026Updated 15:49, 16 Jul 2026Hundreds of IKEA shoppers were evacuated from a store in Exeter and told to leave their purchased goods at the checkout tills.‌The store was cleared at around 1pm this afternoon after a van reportedly hit a sprinkler system in an underground car park, which triggered fire alarms.‌According to an eyewitness, more than 300 people were evacuated from the store, with staff informing the shopper that part of the car park had become flooded.‌Workers were later seen blocking incoming traffic and redirecting cars away from the building, reports Devon Live.Another witness said they heard an alarm notifying of a "technical difficulty" which was understood to be an issue with the sprinkler system in the car park.‌They said customers were asked to leave the store before it was closed.IKEA Exeter confirmed the store was evacuated as a precaution due to an "incident in the car park" and apologised to customers for any inconvenience.The area was assessed before the store was re-opened within an hour, it added.‌A spokesperson said: "The safety of our customers and co-workers is always our highest priority. Following an incident in the car park, our standard safety procedures were activated and the store was evacuated as a precaution."The evacuation was completed quickly and safely while we assessed the situation. The store reopened within 60 minutes. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank customers for their patience and understanding."IKEA Exeter opened in 2018 and is located around four miles southeast of Exeter's city centre, just off the M5 and A379.Article continues belowThe store features a large car park which can fit up to 1,000 vehicles.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Breaking NewsIkea