Tottenham, London – A chemical leak in a plastic bag factory triggered a major emergency alert with over 40 firefighters and 16 engines attending the site.
Join our WhatsApp groupSubscribe to our Daily Roundup Email
Crews rushed to an industrial estate after receiving reports of a smell from the Clear View factory based in the High Cross Centre, Fountayne Road.
Walthamstow fire station manager Ian Bailey who attended said: “We discovered an over heating distiller and we used gas tight CPS crews and detection equipment to shut down the plant and ventilate the premises.”
The site swarmed with more than 40 fire officers, five fire engines, two fire rescue units and nine scientific support units – used to identify the chemical involved.
Three people were evacuated and treated at the scene by London Ambulance Services but had no after effects.
A 50 metre exclusion zone was set up around the factory but station manager Bailey confirmed there was no risk of fire or explosion.
He said: “It was never really out of control, it’s just the chemical was permeating the building so it needed to be ventilated and prevented from going further.”
The chemical was identified as Ethyl acetate – a colourless liquid solvent that has a smell similar to pear drops, glue or nail polish remover.
A representative of Clear View said: “It was just an example of a faulty switch.”
When the site was made safe staff in nearby business units were allowed to return to work.
But business activity was disrupted for the Orthodox Jewish owners who have restricted working hours due to the Sabbath.