A major environmental disaster has unfolded after 4,000 litres of diesel leaked from a bus depot storage tank in Croydon on Tuesday night, severely contaminating the River Wandle and leaving wildlife covered in oil.
The toxic spill has affected water quality and wildlife along the river, stretching from Wallington to Wandsworth, prompting a large-scale emergency response.
Wildlife Suffering in Contaminated Water
Local environmental groups and residents have expressed outrage as birds and other wildlife struggle to clean themselves and survive in the polluted water.
A spokesperson for Merton Council confirmed that animals at Watermeads Nature Reserve in Mitcham have been coated in oil, raising concerns about long-term ecological damage.
Emergency teams from the Environment Agency (EA), Thames Water, and the London Fire Brigade are on-site attempting to contain the pollution, but the extent of the damage remains unclear.
MP Demands Accountability
Bobby Dean, Liberal Democrat MP for Carshalton and Wallington, has called for urgent action, describing the incident as devastating.
“The community has worked so hard over the years to clean up the River Wandle, and it’s heartbreaking to see it suffer such a major pollution incident.”
“Wildlife is already suffering, and who knows what damage this is doing to the fragile ecosystem.”
“This should never have happened, and those responsible must be held to account. I am demanding urgent answers from the Environment Agency on how this occurred, a clear plan for cleanup, and measures to ensure this never happens again.”
Public Health Warning Issued
Authorities have issued a public health warning, advising people to avoid contact with the water and keep pets away.
The London Fire Brigade, alongside Thames Water, is assisting in the containment and cleanup efforts.
A spokesperson for Merton Council urged caution, stating:
“The public is advised not to touch the water or allow pets into the river.”
Investigation Underway
The Environment Agency is investigating the source of the leak and assessing the environmental impact. Calls are growing for stricter regulations on industrial fuel storage to prevent similar disasters.
Ongoing Developments
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, and further updates are expected as cleanup efforts progress.
The full environmental impact of the spill may take weeks or even months to assess, but conservation groups fear long-term damage to the River Wandle’s ecosystem and wildlife.
