'No hazardous materials found' at evacuated Crieff primary school after 'chemical leak'

An investigation into a “chemical leak” which forced a primary school to evacuate in Perth and Kinross has found “no hazardous materials”.

Crieff Primary School pupils and staff were evacuated from the building on Thursday morning after reports of a chemical leak at the premises.

Eleven people were taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee after one adult working in the kitchen took unwell before multiple members of staff also reported feeling unwell.

Police, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the Scottish Ambulance Service and hazmat were sent to the scene to investigate but no hazardous materials were found.

Crieff Primary School evacuated after potential chemical leak STV News

Perth and Kinross Council said the school will remain closed as a “precautionary measure” on Friday with investigations ongoing but that there was no evidence of a gas leak.

It is to re-open on Monday with a deep clean taking place at the facility over the weekend.

Pupils will be provided with packed lunches and will eat in classrooms as the canteen remains closed on Monday, the council said.

Sheena Devlin, Strategic Lead for Education and Learning with Perth and Kinross Council said: “This has been a very difficult week for pupils and staff and I would like to thank them, and parents and carers, for the way they have responded this week.

“Following extensive testing and consultation with partners and NHS Tayside, we will re-open to pupils on Monday.

“However, we have appointed a specialist company to carry out a forensic check of the kitchen and its appliances to make sure everything is working exactly as it should so our staff, pupils and wider school community can have absolute peace of mind.”

An NHS Tayside spokeswoman said: “Ten adults attended the Emergency Department at Ninewells Hospital as a precaution.

“All have undergone clinical assessment and no one has any immediate medical concerns.

“The majority of patients have already been discharged after being seen.”

A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were alerted at 11.26am on Thursday, September 5 to reports of a potential chemical leak at a school on Broich Road, Crieff.

“Operations Control mobilised one appliance and two specialist appliances to the scene.

“After a thorough inspection no hazardous materials were found.

“Crews left after ensuring the area was made safe.”