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 | | Monday, 10 September, 2001, 19:37 GMT 20:37 UK Evacuation after toxic gas leak  Two chemicals were released into the same tank More than 20 people were taken to hospital on Monday after poisonous gas escaped from a factory at Highley near Bridgnorth in Shropshire. Workers were evacuated from D Leonard & Co at 1400 BST when a large quantity of gas was released into the atmosphere. The emergency began when 300 litres of sodium hypochlorite was accidentally released into a tank containing 6,000 litres of hydrochloric acid Twenty-three of the 170 workers at the factory, which makes steel pen nibs and other stationary items, were taken to the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford by coach. 'Toxic substance' They were suffering the effects of breathing in fumes but none of them are thought to be seriously injured. About 20 firefighters were called to the incident, including members of a special chemical incident unit.
Mike Ablitt, from Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, said the effects of the gas could have been much worse: "The concentrations which were produced here would have been very dangerous at close distance. "This was very toxic substance. Fortunately the people were evacuated quite quickly and with the wind as it was, it was able to dissipate the gas fairly quickly." Nick Stockbridge, from D Leonard & Co, said: "There are loads of safety precautions but unfortunately this incident still took place. "It was very lucky that it happened mid-day when most people were outside the factory." The chemical leak was brought under control within a couple of hours and there was no danger to nearby houses. Workers are expected to return to work on Tuesday. | | Internet links:  The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites Top UK stories now:  Links to more UK stories are at the foot of the page. | |||||||||||||||||||
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