Mass evacuation taking place after Chemical leak in West Thurrock
West Thurrock,Essex, Monday 6th January 2020 A mass evacuation is taking place following a mass chemical spill at a business named as ICL in West Thurrock,
Emergency services have placed the area in lock down and have made people leave their work placed after a large chemical cloud can be see above the building.
A road leading through an industrial estate has been closed following a ‘large incident’ that is currently ongoing. The Essex County Fire and Rescue Service have warned people in West Thurrock to avoid the area.
They have also told anyone who lives locally to close all of their windows and doors.
The incident is believed to have happened in Oliver Road, with the road being shut off by police, (Monday, January 6).
Witnesses claim to have seen two fire engines as well as ambulance, police and a HAZMAT lorry.
In a statement issued by Essex fire and Rescue they said
We have been called to and we are dealing with Chemical incident
Stoneness Road, West Thurrock just after 4.20pm on Monday.
In attendance: 2 x Grays, 1 x Orsett, 1 x Basildon, 2 x Rayleigh Weir (1 x Hazmat)
We are currently at the scene of a chemical incident in West Thurrock.
Control operators received reports of a cloud of fumes this afternoon following a reaction involving an industrial cylinder.
Emergency services are working together at the scene. Firefighters are using a hazardous materials unit as part of work to establish the chemicals involved.
A 100 metre exclusion zone has been set up, as is standard for incidents of this type.
If you live in the area, please keep your doors and windows closed and stay inside.
Several roads are also closed nearby while emergency services manage the incident.
Please avoid the area.
Neil Fenwick Area Manager at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, is currently at the scene and has said: “We understand that the cloud includes an amount of hydrochloric acid. “A 100 metre exclusion zone was created at the site earlier today as a precautionary measure. “We now know that these fumes were caused by a tank that has failed, the leak is contained to within the site. “Firefighters are now safely managing the leak and this process is expected to continue for some time. “Six crews took over the incident at 8.30pm from the crews who initially attended. “Emergency services are working hard to make the site safe again as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience. Road closures around the site continue to remain in place. “If you live nearby, the advice is that you should stay inside and keep all windows and doors closed.” Health advice: Please keep doors and windows closed if you live nearby. If you’re in a car or lorry in the area, keep your air conditioning turned off. If you have existing respiratory problems, keep medication with you and if you feel unwell call 111.
