Person rushed to hospital after 'breathing in toxic vapour' at industrial park
Emergency services have been called after a reported chemical spill at Trafford Park in Manchester which has left one person in hospital, it has been reported.
A plant for a firm manufacturing phosphate-based platicizers was sealed off from the public on Monday morning following the reported leak. Residents and people working near to the site have been told to keep windows and doors as the ambulance service issued a health warning.
One employee at the site, operated by firm Lanxess, was taken to hospital but was conscious, officials said. Meanwhile ambulance crews said more than a dozen others at the site were checked but deemed unharmed.
It's understood that phosphorus oxychloride leaked from a vehicle at the works, MEN reports. A spokesperson for the plant confirmed that "a chemical spilled during the unloading of a tanker truck" which was later contained, with the site evacuated out of precaution.
A spokesperson for North West Ambulance Service said: "We can confirm that we have deescalated from a Major Incident after a chemical leak at an industrial site on Tenax Road, Trafford Park, Manchester. Resources were scaled back to support the ongoing operation by Greater Manchester Police and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service however, the incident has now closed down with all NWAS resources leaving site.
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One employee was reportedly taken to hospital (MEN Media)"Our protocols require us to deploy enough vehicles to support a large-scale incident; fortunately, they weren’t required on this occasion. One patient has been taken to hospital for further assessment.
"The risk to the public from the leak has been determined to be low; however, if anyone in the local area suffers symptoms including breathlessness, wheezing or bluing of the lips and fingers, you are advised to seek medical help via 111 online. We want to thank the local community for their patience while emergency services continue to deal with the situation."
Greater Manchester Police said officers were alerted just after 9am to the reported leak. A spokesperson said: "Officers are currently at the scene along with colleagues from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and North West Ambulance Service.
"There has been no reported injuries and everyone at the business premises has been accounted for. A 300m cordon is currently in place with residents and business being advised on health grounds to close all doors and windows while investigations continue. A number of surrounding roads have been closed as a precaution."
Fire services said fire engines from across the city were deployed after they were alerted at the same time as police. "Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are working alongside site staff and other emergency services to contain the incident and keep the area safe," a spokesperson said. "Crews remain in attendance at this time. Properties in the area are advised to keep their windows and doors closed and avoid the scene while crews carry out their work.”
Eddie Palmer, plant manager at the Lanxess plant, said: “The safety of our employees and local residents is our top priority. We have started to investigate the incident thoroughly and regret the inconvenience caused.” Lanxess is an international chemicals company based in Germany, with its Manchester site manufacturing plastic additives and flame retardants.
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