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Two hospitalised after chemical spill at Westminster Lodge in St Albans
Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre in St Albans was evacuated after a chemical spill. - Credit: Pearce Bates / Archant 2022
Two men have been hospitalised after a chemical spill at Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre in St Albans this afternoon.
Members of the public were evacuated and police cordoned off the site in Holywell Hill at around 3.30pm after reports came in of a chemical leak.
Fire engines outside Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre in St Albans. - Credit: Donna Myerthall
Emergency responders were photographed in full green suits going into the building after standing under a shower before entering.
Four fire engines, the police and ambulance service were on scene during the evacuation, closing off access to St Albans Abbey station in the process.
A spokesperson for the East of England Ambulance Service said: “We were called to Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre just before 3pm today following reports of a chemical spill.
Footage shows emergency workers in suits entering the leisure centre. - Credit: Miriam Iuga
“Two ambulances, two vehicles from the Hazardous Area Response Team and a rapid response vehicle attended the scene.
“Two adult men who had minimal exposure were transported to Watford General Hospital for further assessment and observation.”
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A spokesperson for the Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We have four fire engines in attendance at an incident at Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre in St Albans.
“Firefighters are assisting with an incident involving a chemical leak.”
A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Police said: "We were alerted to a chemical leak, believed to be chlorine gas, at Westminster Lodge, St Albans, at around 2.40pm.
Police and Fire attended and the building was evacuated. Two people were affected by the chemicals and paramedics were called.
"Road closure on Hollybush Lane was put in place and some surrounding buildings cordoned off as a precaution."
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