15 firefighters rushed to hospital after mass chemical leak in West Thurrock
Fire Crews remain at the scene of a chemical incident in West Thurrock that unfolded just after 4.30pm on Monday evening. The complicated incident is still ongoing and involving multi-agencies: Essex Police, East of England Ambulance Service, Public Health England, Thurrock Council and the Environment Agency to manage the incident. As a precautionary measure 15 firefighters were transported to local hospitals overnight and following assessment were released shortly after. Deputy chief fire officer Rick Hylton said: “The hard work and dedication of our staff and team work across agencies has meant that as things currently stand we have the incident contained and a plan in place to successfully and safely resolve the incident. Our crews are continuing to work hard to support the industrial site management and the Environmental Agency. “Although we cannot say exactly when this incident will be resolved, we are looking at hours rather than days. Our priority is to ensure the safety of everyone on scene dealing with the incident, as well as everyone in the surrounding area. “Please continue to follow Public Health England’s advice of keeping doors and windows closed if you live nearby and turning your vehicle’s air conditioning off. If you have existing respiratory problems, keep medication with you and if you feel unwell call 111.”
A mass evacuation took 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.
