Early investigations in to what caused the onrush of ill customers has been inconclusive. According to the BBC, the branch have been given the all clear and will reopen on Wednesday and a spokeswoman for Nationwide confirmed that there was “no evidence of any gas leaking in to the branch, or any other environmental issues at the branch.”
As a precautionary measure, properties adjacent to the building were also evacuated. The investigation by the fire service in to what occurred is still ongoing.
Under the Occupiers Liability Act 1957 s.2 the occupier or owner of a property owes a common duty to take such care as is reasonable in the circumstances to see that any visitor to the property will be reasonably safe in using the premises for the purpose which they are invited or permitted to be there.
In other words, Nationwide would owe a duty to take reasonable care to look after the health and welfare of any customers and employees who are on their premises. If they have not taken necessary steps in an effort to protect any visitors to the premises then they might be found to be liable for any injuries suffered by those visitors and those individuals might be able to make a claim compensation as a result.