Clarkston gas disaster could get new memorial more than 50 years on

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Scotland's worst peacetime explosion could get a new memorial more than 50 years on.Twenty-two people lost their lives and more than 100 were injured in the Clarkston gas explosion on October 21, 1971.The explosion followed a build-up of gas in an underground space beneath the Clarkston Toll shops, caused by a gas leak which was later ruled to have been accidental.There is a small memorial plaque at the location of the disaster, a memorial tree at the entrance to the car park of Clarkston Halls, and a plaque remembering those who lost their lives inside Clarkston Halls.But now the local MP, council and Scottish Gas are considering putting a new memorial at or near the site of the explosion.The disaster happened when a pocket of gas below a row of suburban shops in East Renfrewshire erupted – caving in an overhead car park and spilling its cars into the scene of destruction.The might of the explosion was likened to a blast from a 300lb bomb.An inquiry was staged just four months after the explosion, lasting only 19 days and while some of the injured still lay in hospital beds.The Fatal Accident Inquiry did not find anyone responsible, despite shop workers complaining of a smell of gas for five days before.East Renfrewshire MP Kirsten Oswald and Clarkston Community Council are now asking the community what their thoughts would be on a new memorial, which Scottish Gas has offered to pay for.

The consultation seeking the views of residents, survivors, family members, local businesses, emergency services, and others opened on August 3 and will close on September 3.

Oswald said: “At the 50th anniversary memorial service, it was very clear that there was the desire for an additional memorial. "I discussed this with Clarkston