Apology to parents following controlled explosion at secondary school in Cornwall
The Royal Navy bomb squad was called to carry out an explosion
A secondary school in north Cornwall has apologised to parents, following concerns about a controlled explosion.
The Royal Navy bomb squad was called to Launceston College on Thursday to dispose of a hazardous chemical.
Locals reported hearing a loud bang in the area.
Royal Navy bomb squad called to Cornish school to dispose of 'hazardous substance'
Now a letter has gone out, explaining what happened and that at no point were the staff or students at any risk
It reads:
"I appreciate that there are a number of reports circulating about yesterday’s chemical disposal at Launceston College, and so I would like to clarify what occurred.
"There is a chemical that schools with sixth forms have used safely for many years called 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine. In 2017, the risk assessment experts at the Consortium of Local Education Authorities for the Provision of Science Services (CLEAPSS) recommended that all 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine was destroyed as it can become unstable if it dries out. The method of disposal is by controlled explosion carried out by the bomb squad.
"Across all of our settings within the Trust, including Launceston College, we destroyed all of the 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine we had stored after the CLEAPSS destruction recommendation in 2017. However, this week, one small bottle was found in an outside store room. Our Estates Team followed the same protocol as advised back in 2017 and called the bomb squad to dispose of it. The bottle was taken to the back of the school field by the bomb squad who exploded it in a safe manner.
"It is our understanding that some members of the community heard the explosion, but please be rest assured that the bulk of the noise wasn’t from the chemical itself but the explosives used to blow it up.
"At no point were any students or staff at any risk. However, we apologise that communications were not sent to parents/carers and College staff yesterday explaining what was happening and assuring you all that there was no risk."
Letter to parents from Jenn Burn, Principal of Launceston College