Oxford,
22
July
2016
|
11:16
Europe/London

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service respond to chemical leak at BMW Mini plant

Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service were mobilised at 3:47am on 22 July 2016 to reports of a large chemical leak at BMW Mini plant in Oxford.

Six fire appliances, five from Oxfordshire and one from Buckinghamshire along with a hazardous materials decontamination unit and support officers were sent to the scene.

The incident involved approximately 100 litres of hydrochloric acid spilt from a container, captured within a bund wall, which was giving off a vapour. One person from the plant had breathed in the vapour and went for precautionary checks at the John Radcliffe Hospital but was found not to be suffering any ill effects.

Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service assessed the situation with an on-site emergency response team and put cordons in place.

An hazardous materials advisor from Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service assessed the scene and gave advice to the incident commander.

Two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus and gas tight suits entered the area to assess the state if the spill and removed other chemical containers from the risk area to prevent the situation from worsening.

Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service are currently still on site awaiting the arrival of specialist chemical cleaning company to make safe and remove the acid.

Incident Commander Will McPhail said: “We have worked closely with colleagues from South Central Ambulance Service, Thames Valley Police and BMW emergency response staff to prevent the incident from escalating and maintain scene safety. We will remain on site until specialist teams arrive to take over and remove the chemicals."

Visit www.365alive.co.uk for road safety advice.

If you have a road safety question please call the free phone community safety helpline on 08000 325 999 or email: community.safety@oxfordshire.gov.uk