2002 Barrow-in-Furness legionellosis outbreak

[2] The source of the bacteria was later found to be from steam coming out of a badly maintained air conditioning unit.

Ultimately seven people died and 172 cases were reported (a case fatality rate of around 4%), ranking as the second worst in British history and seventh worst globally by death count.

[3] The coroner for Furness and South Cumbria criticised the council for its failings with regard to health and safety at the conclusion of an inquest into the seven deaths.

[5] The borough council was the first public body in the country to have faced corporate manslaughter charges.

Following the trials, the contractor responsible for maintaining the defective plant, Interserve, settled a £1.5 million claim by the Council for damages.