16/09/2008

Twelve Taken To Hospital After Chemical Spill

Twelve people have been taken to hospital following a chemical spill at a jam factory, firefighters have said.

Fire crews were called to Wilkin and Sons in Tiptree, Essex on Monday afternoon, after reports of an acid spill.

More than 160 people were evacuated from the building, after chlorine gas was created when sodium hypochlorite and hydrochloric acid - thought to be cleaning chemicals - were mixed, creating a toxic gas, a fire brigade spokesman said.

Twelve staff were taken to hospital, while 48 were treated on site for breathing difficulties.

Trained factory staff were able to neutralise the spillage, and fire crews were called in by the ambulance service to help deal with the incident.

A fire service spokesman said: "Four firefighters entered the building in gas-tight chemical suits to ensure the area was safe and they ventilated it."

(JM)

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