A pregnant mum with her toddler said she ‘feared death’ as she fled the London Aquatics Centre due to a chlorine gas leak which left 29 people in hospital on Wednesday, March 23. Journalist Tess Riley, 37, was swimming with her partner Thom and two-year-old daughter Ruby when a chemical mix-up caused the release of potentially deadly chlorine gas at the Olympic Park in Stratford, East London.
More than 200 people were evacuated from the centre at around 9.45am following the delivery of “pool chemicals”. In total 29 patients were taken to hospital, and another 48 were assessed at the scene. Emergency services scrambled to treat the casualties and offer foil blankets to half-dressed swimmers who sheltered in nearby cafes with school children.
Demanding answers on Twitter, Ms Riley said: “My husband, toddler and I were three of the people caught up in yesterday’s gas leak at London Aquatics Centre. Despite statements that your ‘thoughts are with those affected’ and that you’re ‘working to support all those affected’ we have yet to be contacted by you.
READ MORE: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Aquatics Centre evacuated after ‘gas leak’ with ‘number of casualties’
(Image: PA)
“We were at a registered swimming class. You have our contact details. We’ve tried calling GLL and Better several times to find out everything from what gas(es) we were definitely exposed to when we’re going to be able to get our stuff back. At its most basic, we’re without house & car keys, my phone, bank cards, our pram, my glasses, our clothes our unborn child was exposed to. Appreciate the scene may still be off limits and that we can’t get our stuff yet. Don’t appreciate being left in the dark about everything.
“In summary, and in total seriousness, yesterday morning we were inside your building when 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. Surely that’s worth a phone call so that we’re not left in the dark.
“Finally, a massive thank you to the amazing paramedics and fire services, and all the staff at Royal London Hospital. Incredible care. We really can’t thank all of them enough.”
A Spokesperson for GLL said: “Work at the London Aquatics Centre following Wednesday’s incident is ongoing and means the centre has remained closed.
“Support was given to those who evacuated the building as the emergency services responded. London Ambulance Service triaged affected customers at the scene and gave advice on further medical support. 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.”
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Hello, I am a news reporter for MyLondon. I cover stories across the capital every day.
I qualified as a journalist last year and studied English and History at university, with a special interest in medieval London.
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