13 taken to hospital after suspected ammonia leak
Last updated 16th Jul 2018
13 people have been taken to hospital after a suspected ammonia leak at a fish factory in Co Down.
The incident near the Harbour road in Kilkeel was declared a major incident by the ambulance service.
All of the patients were taken to Daisy Hill Hospital for further treatment.
Two have been admitted to the hospital and are said to be in a stable condition.
A number of other people in the area were assessed by paramedics.
The alert was raised around 1.30 this afternoon (Monday). It has now ended.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said:
"We received a call at 13:34 on Monday 16 July 2018 following reports of a gas leak in the vicinity of the Harbour Road, Kilkeel.
"NIAS despatched eight Emergency Ambulances, two Rapid Response Paramedics, five Paramedic Officers and one HART responder to the scene. The Charity Air Ambulance was also tasked to the incident.
"A major incident was declared by NIAS at 14:15.
"Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene by paramedics, 6 patients are being taken to Daisy Hill Hospital, and a further 8 are being taken to Craigavon Area Hospital for further treatment.
"A number of other people in the vicinity are also being assessed by NIAS paramedics at the scene.
"This is an ongoing incident and no further information is available at this time."
A Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) Spokesperson said:
“NIFRS was called at 12.38pm to a report of an ammonia gas leak in the vicinity of the Harbour Road, Kilkeel. The cause of the leak had been isolated prior to the arrival of Fire Crews. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus surveyed the site with gas monitors to check for the presence of ammonia gas – all readings were zero.
“Firefighters gave oxygen therapy to 2 casualties prior to the arrival of Ambulance crews. Fire Crews from Kilkeel, Newcastle and Warrenpoint Fire Stations remain at the scene. Ambulance personnel are transferring casualties to hospital.
“Daisy Hill Hospital requested NIFRS to stand by to provide support in receiving casualties if required. At this stage no action has been required.
“There is no risk to the public from this gas leak."