BREAKING: Nearly 30 civil damages claims have been filed against East Dunbartonshire Council by families affected by a serious carbon monoxide leak at Balmuildy Primary School in Bishopbriggs. This alarming situation follows the council admitting to safety breaches earlier this year and receiving a fine in criminal court related to the 2020 incident.
Parents are speaking out after experiencing distressing health issues linked to the leak, describing a wave of fear, anger, and uncertainty. “To think that for weeks they sat in a building, due to gross negligence, inhaling fatal levels of carbon monoxide. We were told it was only through ‘sheer luck’ there were no fatalities,” one parent expressed, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The council maintains it has a “rigorous safety monitoring regime,” yet is now contesting the numerous civil claims. Parents report that their children exhibited alarming symptoms before the evacuation, including vomiting, dizziness, and weakness. “At hospital, we were told it was carbon monoxide poisoning. I’m angry, because this should have been checked regularly and could have been prevented,” one parent lamented.
An investigative report shared with families highlights critical gaps in safety inspections at Balmuildy Primary and other schools within the authority. Parents are demanding accountability from the council, calling the incident a “shocking failure to ensure the safety of children.”
In response to the mounting concerns, Ann Davie, chief executive of East Dunbartonshire Council, stated, “As soon as it was brought to our attention the gas boiler was decommissioned, the HSE was contacted along with other relevant external agencies.” She emphasized that comprehensive measures have since been implemented to ensure the safety of all students and staff.
Despite these assurances, the parents remain deeply troubled. One parent revealed, “My son still suffers headaches now,” emphasizing the long-term impact of the incident. “It feels like the whole incident has been swept under the carpet. The council absolutely should be held liable.”
As the situation develops, the community is left grappling with the aftermath of this incident. Families are now anxiously awaiting the outcome of the civil claims, which they hope will bring justice and accountability. With the implications of the leak still resonating, this story continues to unfold.
Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops.
