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School kitchen reopens after suspected chemical leak

BBC Police cars and vans parked at the cordon which had been created near Crieff Primary School, along with road closure signsBBC
The school was evacuated and cordoned off by police

The kitchen at a Perth and Kinross primary school has reopened after it was evacuated earlier this month due to a suspected chemical leak.

Three staff members at Crieff Primary School reported being unwell on Wednesday 3 September so the school closed the kitchen and gave pupils packed lunches.

But the next day more staff members reported feeling unwell and the school was closed and evacuated by police. A total of 11 adults were taken to hospital.

A council spokesperson said no faults or causes for concern had been identified following extensive testing of kitchen equipment.

Officers were called to the primary school on Broich Road at about 11:30 on Thursday 4 September and the building was cleared as a precaution.

The school was cordoned off and 11 adults were taken to Ninewells Hospitals in Dundee. They were later discharged after a clinical assessment.

Emergency services vans in the school car park, with red and white tape sealing off the road. Fire crews are standing next to the vehicles.

The school re-opened the following Monday but the kitchen remained closed for another week for a deep clean and operational testing of all the equipment.

The water supply was tested and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that no hazardous substances were found in the kitchen area.

A council spokesperson said it was still awaiting a full report from consultants but early indications suggested there was no specific cause for the incident.

All the kitchen appliances were switched on and operated as they would be when the kitchen is being used to prepare hot meals ahead of the re-opening.

Sheena Devlin, children and families spokeswoman for Perth and Kinross Council, said: “The health and wellbeing of our children and staff is always our priority which is why we took the decision to evacuate Crieff Primary School.

“Staff from our property services team will remain on site next week to respond if any issues do arise and I would like to thank them – and everyone in the school community – for their support.

“I understand situations like this are concerning for everyone involved and would like to reassure parents, carers, staff and pupils that we will take whatever steps are necessary to ensure the wellbeing of those in our schools.”