Chemical incident declared in Essex as hydrochloric acid detected in 'cloud of fumes'
Firefighters have set up an exclusion zone at the scene of a chemical incident in Essex.
A leak at an industrial site has formed a ‘cloud of fumes’ - which includes an amount of hydrochloloric acid - and nearby residents have been warned to keep windows and doors closed in West Thurrock.
Firefighters say the fumes were caused by a tank that failed and that the leak is contained to within the site.
The cordon, which is centred around Stoneness Road, stretches to 100 metres, which Essex Fire Service says is normal for incidents of this nature.
Neil Fenwick, Area Manager at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, is at the scene and said: “We understand that the cloud includes an amount of hydrochloric acid.
"A 100 metre exclusion zone was created at the site earlier today as a precautionary measure.
"We now know that these fumes were caused by a tank that has failed, the leak is contained to within the site.
"Firefighters are now safely managing the leak and this process is expected to continue for some time.
"Six crews took over the incident at 8.30pm from the crews who initially attended."
Drivers around the area are advised to keep air-conditioning turned off and anyone with respiratory problems should keep medication on them and call 111 if feeling unwell.
Essex Fire said earlier: “We are currently at the scene of a chemical incident in West Thurrock.
“Control operators received reports of a cloud of fumes this afternoon following a reaction involving an industrial cylinder.
“Emergency services are working together at the scene. Firefighters are using a hazardous materials unit as part of work to establish the chemicals involved.”
Six fire engines are on the scene, according to Essex Fire Service, along with hazardous materials unit (Hazmat).
Several roads are also closed nearby while emergency services manage the incident.
Firefighters have asked the public to avoid the area.