‘Chemical incident’ sees businesses evacuated and residents told to stay indoors after ‘gas canister leak’ on Essex industrial estate

• Emergency crews rushed to West Thurrock in Essex as ‘clouds of fumes’ spotted
• A 100m exclusion zone is in place and residents told to keep their doors shut 
• Several roads are closed nearby while emergency services manage the incident 

A ‘chemical incident’ has caused businesses to be evacuated and residents have been told to stay indoors after a ‘gas canister leak’ on an Essex industrial estate. 

Emergency crews rushed to West Thurrock this afternoon after a reaction involving an industrial cylinder which produced ‘clouds of fumes’ over the east London area.

A 100m exclusion zone is in place and residents have been told to keep their doors and windows shut.

A ‘chemical incident’ has caused businesses to be evacuated and residents have been told to stay indoors after a ‘gas canister leak’ on an Essex industrial estate

Emergency crews rushed to West Thurrock this afternoon after a reaction involving an industrial cylinder which produced ‘clouds of fumes’

Essex Fire Service said: ‘We are currently at the scene of a chemical incident in West Thurrock.

‘Control operators received reports of a cloud of fumes this afternoon following a reaction involving an industrial cylinder.

‘Emergency services are working together at the scene. Firefighters are using a hazardous materials unit as part of work to establish the chemicals involved.

‘A 100 metre exclusion zone has been set up, as is standard for incidents of this type.

A 100m exclusion zone is in place around the industrial park (pictured) and residents have been told to keep their doors and windows shut

‘If you live in the area, please keep your doors and windows closed and stay inside.’

Several roads are also closed nearby while emergency services manage the incident. 

The incident took place on an industrial estate in Grays, which is less than a mile from Lakeside Shopping Centre.

The incident took place on an industrial estate in Grays, which is less than a mile from Lakeside Shopping Centre

Essex Fire Service said: ‘If you live in the area, please keep your doors and windows closed and stay inside’

An Industrial Chemical Group spokesperson would not comment on the situation today but said that a statement would be issued later on

The industrial park, which sits on The Thames, is home to a number of businesses, including Industrial Chemical Group Ltd and Proctor & Gamble.

An Industrial Chemical Group spokesperson would not comment on the situation today but said that a statement would be issued later on.

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