Pub explosion woman in court bid

Jan 25 2012

A woman injured in a gas explosion in a pub is to take her case to court.

Danielle Ormond was left with "severe" injuries when the Drumtochty Arms in Auchenblae, Aberdeenshire, exploded in January 2009.

The barmaid suffered broken ribs and fractured vertebrae in her neck and back.

She is to take action against Instant Catering Maintenance and the Drumtochty Castle, who own the Drumtochty Arms, her solicitors said.

It is set to begin on July 3 at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.

Ms Ormond said it was "the most frightening and traumatic day of my life".

She said: "I feel lucky to be alive, but also angry because I didn't ask for any of this to happen to me. I welcome the fact that the case is moving forward. This is one step closer to justice and closure."

Ms Ormond is being represented by Chris Gordon, partner at Thompsons Solicitors' office in Aberdeen.

He said his client "suffered severe physical and psychological injuries", and added: "It's only right that she gets redress for what happened. It has been a long wait for justice and we hope that a resolution is in sight."

Instant Catering Maintenance declined to comment on the case.