This article is from the source 'bbc' 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.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-24134104
The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 2 | Version 3 |
|---|---|
| Shoppers hurt in refrigerator gas leak in Hampshire | Shoppers hurt in refrigerator gas leak in Hampshire |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| More than 60 people were examined by paramedics after breathing in gas from a leaking refrigerator at a food store. | |
| Hundreds of customers and staff were evacuated from the Sainsbury's and Marks and Spencer store at Hedge End, near Southampton, at about 17:00 BST. | Hundreds of customers and staff were evacuated from the Sainsbury's and Marks and Spencer store at Hedge End, near Southampton, at about 17:00 BST. |
| The fire service said 62 people had been checked over at the retail park and one person was taken to hospital. | |
| A spokesman said the gas was "non toxic" and they were "quite happy that there's no risk to the public". | A spokesman said the gas was "non toxic" and they were "quite happy that there's no risk to the public". |
| The gas has been identified as a coolant gas from one of the refrigerator units inside the shop. | |
| 'Frog in throat' | |
| Richard Hillier, who was in Sainsbury's at the time, told the BBC: "I was walking past one of the aisles and noticed a few people coughing. | |
| "As I walked past them I began coughing and haven't stopped. | |
| "Basically it feels like a frog in the throat that can't be cleared. Just a strange experience, I'll consult the local GP tomorrow if symptoms remain." | |
| Most people were treated by paramedics at the scene and discharged, but one person was taken to hospital "as a precaution". | |
| "We're at a point now we're quite happy that there's no risk to the public and there's no health warning," the fire spokesman said. | |
| "We're in the process of handing it back to the owners of the premises. | |
| "We'd ask the public to stay away from this area for the time being while we're finalising the incident." | |
| The Marks and Spencer store was also evacuated as it shares a heating duct with the food shop. | The Marks and Spencer store was also evacuated as it shares a heating duct with the food shop. |
| Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the store to examine it and the area around the shops was cordoned off. | Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the store to examine it and the area around the shops was cordoned off. |
| The Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth and Southampton General Hospital earlier said they were preparing to receive patients if needed. | The Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth and Southampton General Hospital earlier said they were preparing to receive patients if needed. |
| In a statement, Sainsbury's said: "We can confirm there has been an incident at our Hedge End store this evening. | In a statement, Sainsbury's said: "We can confirm there has been an incident at our Hedge End store this evening. |
| "The store is currently closed and we are working with the emergency services." | "The store is currently closed and we are working with the emergency services." |
| Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here. | Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here. |
| Read the terms and conditions | Read the terms and conditions |