'Thank you for the messages of support': Coleraine principal thanks community and reveals cleanup operation, although start of term to be confirmed
Headmaster confirms Chlorine gas incident occurred in swimming pool plant room and the school working with specialists to safely remove chemicals ahead of term restart on April 13
The headmaster of Coleraine Grammar School has issued an updated statement following a ‘chemical incident’ at Castlerock Road.
Six fire engines attended the scene on Tuesday, March 31, using breathing apparatus, hose reel jets, and gas monitoring equipment. Three people were taken to hospital but have since been discharged.
In his recent statement, Headmaster Mr. D. Carruthers confirmed that the hazardous material involved was chlorine gas, and that the incident occurred in the swimming pool plant room. He reassured parents and staff that the school is now working with specialist contractors to ensure the safe removal of any residual chemicals before the beginning of the new term on April 13.
In a new social media post yesterday Mr D Carruthers said: “I’m sure you are aware by now that there was a chemical incident at Coleraine Grammar School at about 4pm on Tuesday 31 March which resulted in hazardous gas being released in a confined area.
"No pupils were on site due to the Easter holiday, three members of staff were advised to attend hospital and all three were discharged on Tuesday evening. It was chlorine gas and the incident happened in the swimming pool plant room.
“The ambulance, fire and police services attended, and the situation was fully under control by 7pm.
“The fire service returned on 1 April and confirmed that zero chlorine gas levels could be detected anywhere. We are now working with specialist contractors to ensure the safe removal of any residual chemicals from the plant room well before the beginning of next term on 13 April.
“Thank you for the messages of support, and I will confirm later next week that term will begin as planned.”
A spokesperson for Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland added: “HSENI is aware of an incident at Coleraine Grammar School and is making enquiries.”