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Suspected chemical leak: Dozens treated at site in Maidstone | Suspected chemical leak: Dozens treated at site in Maidstone |
(32 minutes later) | |
Fifty-seven people have been treated for breathing difficulties following a suspected chemical leak in Kent. | |
More than 40 firefighters were sent to a commercial site off Sutton Road, Langley, near Maidstone, just before 15:00 GMT. | More than 40 firefighters were sent to a commercial site off Sutton Road, Langley, near Maidstone, just before 15:00 GMT. |
Three ambulances, five fire engines, hazardous material officers and a specialist chemical unit are onsite. | Three ambulances, five fire engines, hazardous material officers and a specialist chemical unit are onsite. |
The fire service said no-one was in a serious condition and some patients had been discharged from care. | |
Fire crews wearing breathing apparatus and hazardous material officers are working to establish what the chemical is, Kent Fire and Rescue Service said. | Fire crews wearing breathing apparatus and hazardous material officers are working to establish what the chemical is, Kent Fire and Rescue Service said. |
It added the incident was contained to the site. | It added the incident was contained to the site. |
'Hazardous materials tent' | |
A spokeswoman for Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust said Maidstone Hospital was "currently preparing for the arrival of a number of patients who are experiencing breathing difficulties". | |
"As a precautionary measure a hazardous materials tent has been erected outside the emergency department to help us manage those patients," she added. | |
She said the trust's emergency departments were "open as normal" but encouraged people only to use them for emergency and life-threatening situations. | |
A Kent Police spokesman confirmed the force had responded to "reports of a suspected chemical leak" after being contacted by the ambulance service. | |
"Officers are at the scene along with the Kent Fire and Rescue Service and ambulance crews, and are offering assistance where needed." | "Officers are at the scene along with the Kent Fire and Rescue Service and ambulance crews, and are offering assistance where needed." |