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Several affected by toxic cloud | Several affected by toxic cloud |
(40 minutes later) | |
A toxic cloud caused by a fire at a chemical plant spread across part of the West Midlands. | A toxic cloud caused by a fire at a chemical plant spread across part of the West Midlands. |
Police said the cloud of phosphorus measuring about 50ft (15m) by 400ft (122m) blew south towards the M5. | Police said the cloud of phosphorus measuring about 50ft (15m) by 400ft (122m) blew south towards the M5. |
The ambulance service said two people were taken to hospital after becoming nauseous. Two nearby residents were also affected. | The ambulance service said two people were taken to hospital after becoming nauseous. Two nearby residents were also affected. |
Residents in Langley, Oldbury, were told to keep windows shut for three hours until the alert was scaled down. | Residents in Langley, Oldbury, were told to keep windows shut for three hours until the alert was scaled down. |
I noticed there was a bit of a haze outside Niall Crowley | |
Fire crews were called to reports of a blaze at Rhodia Consumer Specialities in Trinity Street, Langley, at 1230 GMT. | Fire crews were called to reports of a blaze at Rhodia Consumer Specialities in Trinity Street, Langley, at 1230 GMT. |
Police closed off the Wolverhampton Road, which the cloud was blowing along, from Birchley Island to Causeway Green Road. | Police closed off the Wolverhampton Road, which the cloud was blowing along, from Birchley Island to Causeway Green Road. |
The cloud remained for three hours until dispersed by the wind. | The cloud remained for three hours until dispersed by the wind. |
West Midlands Ambulance Service said two Highways Agency officers were taken to Sandwell Hospital. | West Midlands Ambulance Service said two Highways Agency officers were taken to Sandwell Hospital. |
"Two members of the public who live near the plant were also affected but were given advice and did not need to go to hospital," a spokesman said. | "Two members of the public who live near the plant were also affected but were given advice and did not need to go to hospital," a spokesman said. |
Hospital alert | Hospital alert |
Hospitals were also put on alert for possible casualties. | Hospitals were also put on alert for possible casualties. |
Niall Crowley, who grew up near the factory, was having dinner with his mother at a nearby pub. | |
He said he thought it had been foggy when they arrived. | |
"I noticed there was a bit of a haze outside when I took my mum out for a meal," he said. | |
"Soon after we we arrived, a waitress heard the police over a tannoy saying do not go outside." | |
"We stayed at the restaurant for about an hour. But I needed to take my mum home so I decided to leave the restaurant. But we are both ok." | |
A spokesman said the chemical reacted badly in contact with water and advised residents to avoid baths or showers until it had dispersed. | A spokesman said the chemical reacted badly in contact with water and advised residents to avoid baths or showers until it had dispersed. |
Police said anyone who experienced symptoms such as eye irritation and sneezing should seek medical advice. | Police said anyone who experienced symptoms such as eye irritation and sneezing should seek medical advice. |
It is not yet known how the fire started. | It is not yet known how the fire started. |
Are you in Langley? Have you been affected by the toxic cloud? Tell us your accounts by completing the form below. | Are you in Langley? Have you been affected by the toxic cloud? Tell us your accounts by completing the form below. |
If you are in the area please follow the advice of the emergency services - stay indoors and close windows. | If you are in the area please follow the advice of the emergency services - stay indoors and close windows. |
In most cases a selection of your comments will be published, displaying your name and location unless you state otherwise in the box below. | In most cases a selection of your comments will be published, displaying your name and location unless you state otherwise in the box below. |
Send your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk, text them to 61124 or you have a large file you can upload here. | Send your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk, text them to 61124 or you have a large file you can upload here. |
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At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws. | At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws. |