Toxic Chemical Spill Sparks Emergency at Southampton General Hospital
Four fire crews from Hightown, Eastleigh, Cosham, and Redbridge, plus a specialist support vehicle from Romsey, rushed to Southampton General Hospital this Friday afternoon. The alarm was raised just before 2:45pm after a chemical spillage at the Tremona Road site created toxic fumes.
Corrosive Mix Sparks Hospital Lockdown
Two chemicals reacted to form a corrosive substance, releasing hazardous fumes. One worker suffered minor injuries after being splashed by the chemicals, which had reacted with a substance on the floor. She was treated swiftly in the hospital’s A&E department.
Witnesses say firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered a sealed-off section of the building. Security has been actively turning staff and visitors away from the affected area.
Services Unaffected Despite Incident
Fire crews remain on the scene, tackling the spillage. No serious injuries reported, and no patients are thought to be involved.
A University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said:
“Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Hazardous Area Response Team at South Central Ambulance Service were called to Southampton General Hospital earlier today following the identification of a small chemical leak in a secured waste store. Although the area is not accessible to patients and visitors, a corridor on the hospital’s west wing was closed and monitored by security for a short period while the incident was investigated.
As a precaution, outpatients in a nearby waiting room were redirected to another location prior to their appointments. All clinic appointments went ahead as usual.
Following advice from the fire service and hazardous response team on how to clean and ventilate the area, the incident was resolved with no disruption to services.”
A Hampshire Fire and Rescue spokesman added that multiple appliances remain at the scene. Officers are working closely with hospital staff to secure a safe resolution.
