Local Student Safely Evacuates Egypt During Violent Protests

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Thousands of Americans and other tourists are fleeing Egypt as demonstrations grip the streets of the country in crisis.

As of Monday evening, the violence has killed nearly 100 people and injured thousands.

Protesters have been fighting for an end to President Hosni Mubarak's 30-year rule. But on Monday, Egypt's President swore in a new cabinet, attempting to show he's heard the call for change. Those in opposition say it's not enough.

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Egypt still has no train service, banks are closed and the internet remains blocked. The White House is pushing for what it calls an "orderly transition" in Egypt, a key U.S. ally that receives $1.5 billion in aid every year.

A local student evacuated from Egypt just arrived back in the U.S. and spoke to Eyewitness News.

"I was definitely afraid. It wasn't until we started seeing all the black, thick black smoke and tear gas that we started getting afraid," Brieanna Scolaro said.

Scolaro grew up in Howell, NJ and she traveled to Egypt in early January for a month-long program, but the unrest cut her program short.

Scolaro explained, "People were lighting tires on fire, cars and trucks on fire."

The junior from University of Delaware was studying abroad in Cairo, Egypt when she landed a front-row seat to history in the making.

"I could see the riot squad in the distance and I have pictures of them with their riot shields," Scalero added.

Studying Art and Photography came in handy. She was able to stay a safe distance away but still capture numerous images from the heart of Cairo where she spent most of her time taking classes with ten fellow students and their professor.

"So we literally saw places that we went to eat on the news with broken, shattered glass and some buildings on fire," Scalero said.

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So she says returning home was another adventure with the roads jammed and the airport packed.

"There were people that were asking, shouting for water because people were getting sick or they didn't feel well. So it was chaotic," Scalero said.

Her flight was delayed by four hours but she made it home safely but she says she's home with mixed feelings.

Scalero explained, "As much as I'd want to be in America and am happy to be back on American soil, most of me would rather be in Cairo where history is unfolding. I definitely feel lucky to be back home, safe and sound, but my mind and heart are with the Egyptian people."

Reported By Elizabeth Hur, CBS 3

In:
• Egypt