People decontaminated after Stevenage chemical spill

Six fire engines, two ambulances, three ambulance officer vehicles and three Hazardous Area Response Team vehicles were all called to Cockerell Close at 7am today (July 8).

The unit, which is believed to be occupied by Flamingo Produce, was evacuated and the spill was contained inside and no further risk was posed to the public.

One person was decontaminated by firefighters, while five people were assessed at the scene and another was taken to hospital for a non-related medical issue.

Members of the Hazardous Area Response Team donned hazmat suits to tackle the spill. (Image: Louise McEvoy)

Fire crews then put on gas-tight suits and worked with on-site engineers to resolve the leak and ventilate the building, before handing it back to the owners just before 3pm.

"Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service was called shortly before 7am this morning to reports of a chemical spill in an industrial unit in Cockerell Close, Stevenage," said a Herts Fire and Rescue service spokesperson.

"Six fire engines and a specialist decontamination unit were sent to the scene, where crews confirmed that ammonia was leaking from a storage tank within the building.

"The leak was contained within the building, and posed no risk to the wider area, however the building was evacuated, with one person needing to be decontaminated by firefighters.

"Firefighters in gas-tight suits worked with on-site engineers to resolve the leak and ventilate the building.

Six fire engines attended the scene. (Image: Louise McEvoy)

"The site has now been handed back to the owners and emergency services are leaving the scene."

Mark Barber, assistant chief fire officer at Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service continued: "Our specialist training and equipment ensured that we were able to respond quickly and efficiently to contain a chemical leak.

"Responding to possible toxic and dangerous situations is just one of the many services that our crews deliver in order to keep our communities safe. I'd like to thank those who attended for their ongoing commitment to doing so."

A spokesperson for the East of England Ambulance Service added: Two ambulances, three ambulance officer vehicles and three Hazardous Area Response Team vehicles were called to reports of a chemical leak at Cockerell Close, Stevenage, this morning.

"Hazardous Area Response Team crews in hazardous materials suits were stood to support the welfare of fire and rescue colleagues.

"A total of five patients were assessed at the scene. Only one was conveyed to hospital - for a non-related medical emergency."

Herts police also attended the scene and closed Cockerell Close, but the road has now reopened.