Gas Leak forces evacuation of Aberdeen Victorian School

Harlaw Academy, Aberdeen (Image: Google)

Hundreds of pupils and staff have been evacuated from a Scotish school after gas was found in the building.

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All kids and teachers from the 950-capacity Harlaw Academy in Aberdeen were taken from the school on Wednesday after the find.

Parents of pupils at the Victorian-era school were texted by education bosses warning that ‘trace amounts’ of gas had been found.

A council spokesman confirmed that the school had been closed as gas had been detected, it is hoped the closure would be temporary.

On social media a text apparently from school bosses to parents was shared locally.

It read: “This morning trace amounts of gas have been found at Harlaw Academy.

“The gas supply was isolated immediately and the school was safely evacuated.

“We are awaiting a safety inspection by the gas board and the school building cannot be in use until the inspection is completed.”

A later text said: “We have taken the decision to close Harlaw Academy for the day and send pupils home.

“This will be done at 11.30am and processes will be in place to assist pupils who need.

“We will send an update to parents as soon as this is available.”

Local councillor Martin Greig said the situation could have been ‘catastrophic’.

He said: “The gas problem is really worrying and it is reassuring that this was detected quickly and the building evacuated without delay.

“The pupils have already experienced a lot of disruption because of having to cope with the pandemic.

“Hopefully this fault will be identified and a permanent fix will be made.

“This kind of situation is potentially harmful and even catastrophic. It is an old building and it needs to be constantly monitored and maintained to keep the school community safe”

A city council spokesman said: “This morning trace amounts of gas were found in Harlaw Academy this morning.

“The gas supply was isolated immediately and the school was safely evacuated.

“We are awaiting a safety inspection by the Gas Board, and the school building cannot be in use until the inspection has been completed.

“As the safety of our pupils is of paramount importance we took the decision to close Harlaw Academy at 11am for the day and send them home.

Source: Daily Record