Shoppers evacuated after chemical reaction

21 December 2023

Shivani ChaudhariBBC News, Essex

People had to be evacuated from several shops in a shopping centre in Essex due to a chemical reaction in a basement.

Firefighters from Essex and Cambridge were called to a retail unit in Terminus Street, Harlow, at 11:51 GMT on Thursday.

The chemical reaction was caused by roofing materials mixing together.

Nobody was harmed during the incident and the scene was made safe by 14:00 GMT.

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Homes evacuated after car hits gas main

A number of people were asked to leave their homes, while gas engineers made the area safe.

Stephen Corbett says he is "humbled" after more than £19,000 was raised to help him.

An investigation has been launched into the cause of the house fire, says county fire service.

Everyone who was inside the building is accounted for and nobody is hurt, Essex fire service says.

Essex Fire and Rescue Service says nearby residents should keep windows and doors closed.