Inquiry launched into death of boy in Chertsey floods

The Government has initiated an independent inquiry into the death of seven-year-old Zane Gbangbola, who died in February 2014 due to toxic gas exposure during floods in Chertsey, Surrey.

Zane passed away after carbon monoxide from a petrol pump used to clear flood water, as determined by a 2016 inquest, poisoned him while he slept.

His parents have disputed the inquest findings, claiming the flood water was contaminated with hydrogen cyanide from a former landfill site, ultimately causing their son's death.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the establishment of a non-statutory inquiry to evaluate the coordination of public services during the incident and treatment of Zane's family afterward.

Sir Keir expressed compassion for the family's decade-long ordeal and assured them that the inquiry will thoroughly examine their concerns.

Zane's parents, Nicole Lawler and Kye Gbangbola, reacted to the announcement:

“We have campaigned tirelessly for truth since Zane’s death, and welcome the keeping of Sir Keir’s promise of justice for seven-year-old Zane."

"The death of a child should never be political."

The inquiry will be led by Dr Sandie Okoro, with full engagement of Zane's family and key stakeholders during the draft terms of reference discussion in the coming weeks.

Dr Okoro intends to commence a "rigorous and fair" inquiry in the autumn.

While the inquiry cannot ascertain Zane's cause of death—that duty rests with a coroner—it retains the possibility of prompting a new inquest upon discovering new evidence.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds expressed her commitment to ensuring that lessons are learned from the tragedy.

Richard Burgon, Labour MP and campaigner for an independent inquiry, previously stressed the necessity for expert review of all evidence surrounding Zane's death, noting hydrogen cyanide detections by the fire brigade.

The inquiry, which is chaired by Dr Okoro and supported by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), could see responses from participants in line with the forthcoming Public Office (Accountability) Bill, known as "the Hillsborough Law."

Upon conclusion, the Government has pledged to publicly address any recommendations from the inquiry.

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