A woman who was placed in a coma following a chlorine gas leak at the London Aquatics Centre, which resulted in the hospitalization of 29 people, feels she may have perished.
When a “large quantity” of gas was spilled at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford on March 23, around 200 individuals were evacuated from the event.
Saffron Phillips, an asthmatic catering employee, states that she can no longer ascend stairs without feeling out of breath.
Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) stated that an investigation was continuing.
The environmental health department of Newham Council is also continuing to examine the leak, which has been classified as a significant incident at the 2012 London Olympic Games site.
Nearly fifty patients with breathing issues were treated by paramedics, and some were placed in ambulances while others wore blankets. Residents were instructed to secure their windows and doors.
Ms. Phillips, 27, of East Ham, stated that the lack of oxygen she experienced during the gas release was considered to have caused severe muscle weakness, the recovery of which would take several months. Her arms also sustained chemical burns.
“I could have perished as a result of the gas leak at the London Aquatics Centre,” said Ms. Phillips, who is suing GLL.
Charlie Holt, her attorney, stated that chemical occurrences at swimming pools are not unusual.
Ms. Phillips stated that on the day of the leak, and once outside the building, the odor of chemicals overwhelmed her. She was unable to breathe, began choking and gagging and fainted immediately.
On-site medical personnel assisted her to a minibus, which transported her to an ambulance bound for Newham University Hospital.
Counseling for PTSD
On the way, she reported receiving nebulizers and steroids before being induced into a coma.
She stated that she had been informed she might experience memory issues over the next five years.
Since the gas leak, Ms. Phillips has been hospitalized multiple times for breathing problems and has been getting therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
She stated, “I was hurried to the hospital, and only the emergency care I received that day saved my life.”
“I still have chest and throat pain, and I cannot stand or move for lengthy periods.
“As a result, my doctor has doubled my asthma medication. The doctor prescribed codeine to alleviate the chest pain I have when seated and standing.
“I took antibiotics because I also had a chest illness. Thankfully, the chemical burns on my arms have completely healed.”
Ms. Holt stated, “Recreational facilities must guarantee the safety of its customers, employees, and the general public who reside and work in the adjacent structures.
The handling of chemicals in places close to public access must adhere to the strictest safety standards.
GLL confirmed the ongoing investigation and declined to speak further.
Since the disclosure, Ms. Phillips is not the first person to file a lawsuit against GLL.
Tess Riley, who is pregnant, was taking her daughter Ruby to swim lessons at the facility when the leak occurred, and she has stated that she will file a lawsuit against the company.
She reported “apocalyptic” and “horrifying” images as people fled for their lives and was now concerned that her pregnant child had been exposed to the gas.
