An Update on the College Closure

Apologies to everyone for the inconvenience caused by closing the Tonbridge campus yesterday, but this was necessary to allow a thorough investigation of the incident that occurred on Saturday 15^th May.

A flash fire started in a Low Voltage (LV) electrical cupboard as an electrician was in the process of transferring the power source to provide electricity to one of the old buildings at the Brook Street campus, injuring the man in the process.  

The report we received yesterday confirmed that the injured man - a sub-contractor of Galliford Try - has undergone an operation and was in a stable condition. Another man – who helped pull his injured colleague from the fire - was taken to Kent and Sussex Hospital in Pembury, but was later discharged.

The Health and Safety Executive started their investigation on Monday 17^th May and it would not have been appropriate for students and staff to be on site until the inspectors have given their permission. Also, as the fire happened in the building’s electricity supply room, this had an impact on all electricity services in the College.

Bill Fearon, Principal of the College, said: “I would like to assure staff and students that the new build satisfies the very latest and most stringent safety requirements and regulations. The way in which the incident was dealt with by those concerned showed the value of the new build accommodation and equipment and the measures and procedures our expert advisers and contractors have implemented.     

“I would like to thank the many staff who helped manage the situation and get us back up and functioning within hours of the approval to turn the power supply back on, which was received on Monday evening. It obviously was a very unpleasant incident but gives confidence that our response procedures worked so effectively. Our thoughts are now with the injured man and everyone at the College wishes him well.”