Hospital Forces Evacuation of 150 People Over Gas Leak, Explains What Was Behind It
- A chlorine gas leak at Guy’s Hospital in London forced the evacuation of around 150 people and left nine unwell
- Emergency services responded swiftly after chemicals were accidentally mixed in a boiler room, triggering alarms and a hazardous materials alert
- The hospital has since reopened, with officials confirming the incident occurred in a non-patient area and posed no further risk
A chlorine gas leak at Guy’s Hospital in Southwark prompted the evacuation of approximately 150 people on Thursday morning, after chemicals were accidentally mixed in a boiler room.
The London Fire Brigade confirmed that the incident occurred shortly before 9am and involved the production of chlorine gas inside a plant room.
Source: Getty Images
Emergency services responded swiftly, with two fire engines, two fire rescue units, a command unit and specialist hazardous materials officers deployed to the scene. A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade stated:
“The incident is believed to have been caused by the mixing of chemicals inside a plant room which produced a chlorine gas. One person was injured as a result of a chemical reaction. Several people, who came to the aid of the person, have been treated for the inhalation of chlorine gas.”
Hospital evacuation and medical treatment following chlorine exposure
The London Ambulance Service reported that nine individuals were attended to at the scene, with four requiring hospital treatment. Chlorine gas, even in small quantities, can cause irritation, while higher concentrations may lead to severe lung damage such as toxic pneumonitis or pulmonary edema, and in extreme cases, death.
A spokesperson for Guy’s and St Thomas’s NHS Foundation Trust confirmed that the incident occurred in a “non-patient area” of the hospital.
“One staff member was injured and several people, who came to the aid of the person, were treated for the inhalation of chlorine gas,” they said.
“The site has now reopened and people should attend their appointments unless they are contacted by us directly.”
Witnesses describe scene outside guy’s hospital
Eyewitnesses described scenes of calm but urgent evacuation. Ronald Gilchrist, 50, told the Daily Express he was visiting his girlfriend when alarms began sounding.
“They didn’t explain what was going on. Because I knew someone that worked at the hospital that’s how I found out. It wasn’t chaos, everyone was just told to leave outside,” he said.
Images from the scene showed crowds gathered outside the hospital, including an elderly woman with a walking stick being escorted by a firefighter. Hospital staff were seen standing near ambulances as fire crews entered the building.
Philippa Garrott, another witness, told the publication:
“I saw several fire engines and ambulances parked outside the Shard exit of London Bridge Station this morning, at about 9.45am. All of Guy’s Hospital staff appeared to have been evacuated out onto St Thomas Street, and there were various police/fire cordons in place. Someone appeared to be covered with wet towels and blankets.”
Key elective centre in London
Guy’s Hospital, a major elective centre with 400 beds, specialises in cancer, kidney, urology and dental care, as well as ear, nose and throat and orthopaedic services. Firefighters confirmed that a sweep of the affected area was conducted to ensure no elevated chlorine levels remained, and the building was ventilated before reopening.
Authorities have not indicated any ongoing risk, and normal operations have resumed at the hospital.
Source: Legit.ng
