Trafford Park chemical leak leaves person in hospital

A leak of hazardous material at a chemical firm triggered a major incident and left one person needing hospital treatment

The incident at the Lanxess factory in Trafford Park, Greater Manchester, happened just before 09:00 GMT during the unloading of a tanker

The leaked substance - phosphorus oxychloride - was later contained.

"More than a dozen" people were assessed by paramedics but only one person needed further care.

Anyone in area suffering symptoms such as breathlessness, wheezing, or bluing of lips and fingers is advised to contact the NHS 111 helpline.

The one person affected had been taken to hospital for "further assessment", an ambulance service spokesman said.

Fire engines, police and ambulances were called to the incident on Tenax Road, while nearby residents were advised to keep their windows and doors closed.

The ambulance service said the "large-scale" response, which saw Greater Manchester Police declared a major incident, was needed in-line with protocols for this kind of event.

Roads in the area were later reopened and the major incident was stood down.

Phosphorus oxychloride is used as a base material by the chemical manufacturing industry, and can be corrosive and highly toxic if it makes contact with the skin.

If inhaled, it can cause symptoms including coughing, burning, sore throat, dizziness, and nausea.

A Lanxess safety document said there can be a risk of exposure when the chemical is unloaded to be stored, with workers trained to handle the substance wearing protective clothing.

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