Write a commentThe Southern Trust have stood down a major incident plan following a suspected chemical incident in Kilkeel which resulted in 14 people being taken to hospital for assesment.
Emergency services were called just before 1pm today (Monday 16 July) to deal with reports of an ammonia gas leak in the vicinity of the Harbour Road, Kilkeel. A major incident plan was then set in motion with Daisy Hill Hospital prepared for possible casulties.
Earlier this afternoon a NI Fire and Rescue Service representative stated "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 have transferred casualties to hospital."
Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry received 14 patients to their Emergency Department for assessment with two of them admitted to hospital, both presently in a stable condition.
A 'Trust spokesperson added "We would like to thank all of our staff and partners in the NIAS and NIFRS for dealing with this incident as calmly and professionally as always and for making sure that all of our patients received the best possible care."
