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Seven-Year-Old's Flood Death: New Inquiry Launched
13 Jul
Summary
- An inquiry will investigate the 2014 death of a seven-year-old boy during Surrey floods.
- The family campaigned for years, disputing the cause of death from carbon monoxide poisoning.
- The non-statutory inquiry aims to provide answers and prevent future tragedies.
An inquiry will be held into the death of a seven-year-old boy, Zane Gbangbola, who died during severe floods in Chertsey, Surrey, in 2014. The announcement follows years of campaigning by his family, who disputed the 2016 inquest's conclusion that Zane died of carbon monoxide poisoning.
His parents allege their son was killed by gas from a former landfill site washed out by the River Thames. The government-backed inquiry, announced by Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds, will examine the circumstances surrounding Zane's death and the coordination of public services during the incident.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met with Zane's family, stating the inquiry will ensure their concerns are examined and identify necessary changes to prevent similar events. Dr. Sandie Okoro OBE will chair the inquiry, which is expected to commence rigorous examination this autumn and will not have the power to compel witnesses.
Zane's parents welcomed the inquiry as a step towards securing the truth and honouring their son's memory. The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) confirmed the inquiry will also consider the treatment of the family in the aftermath of the tragedy.
