Families condemn blast firm fine

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The families of workers killed in an explosion in a Glasgow plastics factory have spoken of their anger at the fine imposed on the operators.

Angela Rowlinson, 38, lost her sister Tracey McErlane, 27, from Glasgow, in the tragedy.

She said that her family were "devastated" to hear the firms will be required to pay a £400,000 fine.

She called for a public inquiry to be held into the incident which left nine dead and dozens more injured.

The penalty was imposed on ICL Plastics and ICL Tech following a two-day hearing at the High Court in Glasgow.

The companies had previously pleaded guilty to four health and safety breaches.

I don't think it is a deterrent to any other company and I think they got off lightly Angela RowlinsonSister of factory victim

The blast happened after petroleum gas ignited in a pipe which had corroded in the cellar of the factory building.

Ms Rowlinson said: "We are devastated, absolutely devastated.

"I don't think it is a deterrent to any other company and I think they got off lightly.

"We didn't get the trial because they pleaded guilty and we need a public inquiry to find out for ourselves what really happened.

"We need a public inquiry for closure. We need it for the sake of Ryan, Tracey's wee boy, because we need to have answers to give him when he is older."

A memorial garden stands on the former factory site

Ms Rowlinson added: "There are children growing up without mothers and fathers, but we just need to be there for the wee ones and try and fight for them, to get justice for them."

She said she was angry about the level of the fine because the company could still sell the land of the factory site.

"They can build anything on that site and they could make millions on it, so a fine of £400,000 is not enough," she said.

"What we are more scared about is the gardens of remembrance because if they sell the site does that mean they sell the garden with it? That is our place to go."

She said that money did not make amends for what had happened, adding: "The only thing that would have put things to rest is if there was someone in the dock for this, but that doesn't happen in Scotland.

"I am very angry towards the company because they have taken my sister away and they have taken Ryan's mother away and the rest of the families are in the same boat.

"The company has never apologised and they have never said sorry.

"They have never shown any remorse."