This article is from the source 'independent' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/london-city-airport-evacuated-fire-alert-passengers-flights-landing-departing-delayed-stopped-a7374421.html
The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 2 | Version 3 |
|---|---|
| London City Airport evacuated as dozens become ill in 'chemical incident' | |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| Dozens of people were taken ill after a suspected "chemical incident" at London City Airport, which was evacuated with no flights able to take off or land. | |
| About 500 passengers and staff were ordered to leave the terminal after an alarm just after 4pm on Friday. | About 500 passengers and staff were ordered to leave the terminal after an alarm just after 4pm on Friday. |
| London Ambulance said it treated 26 people at the airport and two were taken to hospital, according to Sky News. | |
| David Morris was at the check-in desk for his BA flight to Edinburgh when he began coughing. | |
| "We were queuing up and we were just about to check our bags in, and I was talking and started to cough to the point I was not able to keep talking," the 28-year-old told the Press Association. | |
| "It was getting quite bad and we saw other people starting to cough at the same time. The people behind the desk were coughing the most and quite aggressively. | |
| "Within two minutes, they shouted for everyone to get out." | |
| Mr Morris said BA staff behind the check-in desk jumped over to escape, calling the situation "quite scary". | |
| He said that whatever was causing people to cough did not smell or have any colour to it. | |
| "Everyone was shouting and rushing towards the door," he added. | |
| Once outside, he said those who had been coughing, between 15 and 20 people, were sectioned off and checked over by paramedics. | |
| A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: "Three fire engines and a range of specialist appliances have been called to reports of a chemical incident at London City Airport this afternoon. | A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: "Three fire engines and a range of specialist appliances have been called to reports of a chemical incident at London City Airport this afternoon. |
| "Around 500 members of the public and staff have been evacuated and there are reports of a number of passengers feeling unwell." | "Around 500 members of the public and staff have been evacuated and there are reports of a number of passengers feeling unwell." |
| Later emergency services said no "elevated readings" were found in the terminal building, which was ventilated and searched. | |
| The incident was "declared safe" by the brigade at around 7pm. | |
| More than 30 British Airways flights to and from London City airport were cancelled, and others heavily delayed, as a result of the evacuation of the terminal. | |
| The closure of the airport came at the worst possible time for the airlines and their passengers: a busy Friday afternoon, when planes are normally heavily booked. Alternative flights from Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted have few seats available. | |
| BA told passengers: “London City airport has been evacuated this afternoon and our flights will experience some disruption as a result. | |
| “We are awaiting for more information from the fire service, police and the airport authorities at London City and are keeping the situation under review. | |
| “If your flight is still operating please allow plenty of time to travel to the airport as transport to and from the terminal is heavily congested.” | |
| Because the delays and cancellations are due to “extraordinary circumstances”, passengers are not entitled to cash compensation. | |
| But airlines are responsible for providing meals and, if necessary, accommodation, until disrupted passengers reach their destinations. | |
| The Press Association contributed to this report. |