Ambulances at London Aquatics Centre
(Picture: London Fire Brigade)A pregnant woman hospitalised after the chlorine gas leak at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in east London says she will sue the company that runs the pool, according to reports.
Tess Riley was one of around 200 people evacuated from the Aquatics Centre on Wednesday morning with 29 taken to hospital.
The 37-year-old said she was at a swimming class with her husband and toddler when the pool was evacuated.
Writing online, she said: “We stopped being able to breathe and as we ran as fast as we could outside the thought flashed through my mind that we might be about to die.”
Hi @AquaticsCentre. My husband, toddler & I were 3 of the ppl caught up in yesterday’s #GasLeak at #LondonAquaticsCentre. Despite statements that your “thoughts are with those affected” (below) and that you’re “working to support all those affected” (https://t.co/G9FLZCEuwX)... https://t.co/fMyv8fTAim
— Tess Riley (@tess_riley) March 24, 2022
She said GLL, who run the pool, had not contacted her to explain what happened, adding: “More significantly I’m pregnant and would appreciate being able to confirm to the medical staff caring for me what our unborn child was exposed to.”
She told the Guardian she was treated with oxygen in an isolation room while her clothes were placed in a contamination bag and put under observation by a team of trainee military medics studying chemical attacks, adding: “I am an angry woman who is planning to sue.”
Environmental health officers from Newham council are investigating the leak and it has been reported they believe the chlorine was released when hydrochloric acid was mistakenly pumped into a tank of bleach.
GLL, which trades under the name Better, said: “Work at the London Aquatics Centre following Wednesday’s incident is ongoing and means the centre has remained closed.
“We are in the process of contacting customers as it becomes possible to retrieve their personal belongings.
“We understand the concern of customers but are unable to comment on specific details of the incident until the investigation is complete and we are made aware of the full details. However, the substance released was identified as chlorine gas by the London fire brigade.
“Customers are advised to seek medical attention if their condition is of concern.”
