A SURVIVOR of the Stockline plastics factory explosion, which claimed nine lives, was awarded £250,000 damages yesterday.
Gordon Bell, 48, was one of more than 30 workers injured in the blast at the former textile mill in Hopehill Road, Maryhill, Glasgow, on 11 May, 2004.
He managed to dig himself free from the rubble, but suffered serious injuries to his right hand
and later developed psychological problems, which have prevented him from returning to work.
Mr Bell, of Maryhill, sued ICL Tech, ICL Plastics and Stockline Plastics, which operated the factory, and an out-of-court settlement of £250,000 was announced at the Court of Session. Actions on behalf of other workers are also being pursued in the court.
The court heard that Mr Bell, a spray painter and plastics coater, had worked for ICL Tech since he was 16, and had been promoted to foreman in the coating shop months before the explosion.
At the time of the blast of it, he was on the production floor. His lawyers said liquefied petroleum gas had leaked from a corroded pipe into the basement. It ignited and exploded, causing the building to collapse. Mr Bell was trapped for 15 minutes, but was able to clear the rubble on top of him and escaped with two workmates.
A "deeply shocked and traumatised" Mr Bell was taken to the Southern General Hospital, where it was found he had suffered cuts to his face and head, bruising, and significant injuries to his hands.
He also lost part of his right thumb, and the skin was stripped from other fingers.
It was said that Mr Bell had developed an adjustment disorder, and suffered flashbacks and nightmares. He felt anxious, had lost confidence, and experienced low mood and mood swings.
