Work continues at King George Dock in Hull to ensure the safe removal of hydrochloric acid from a storage tank following a reported leak late last night (Monday 18 September).
At one stage five engines, three support vehicles and 25 firefighters were on the scene dealing with the incident.
Crews and officers remain there to assist ABP with the recovery phase as the acid is transferred onto tankers to be taken away safely. Continual monitoring of the gas given off by the acid and other factors such as wind direction has taken place since the incident began. An exclusion zone has been in place around the vicinity of the leak for the majority of the day. Surrounding roads have not been affecetd.
An ABP spokesperson said:
“Earlier this morning the Fire Service left site following a hydrochloric acid leak last night on one of our customers sections of the Port of Hull, believing the incident was under the control of UM Storage.
“However, it has now become apparent following a change in wind direction that there is an ongoing incident involving a vapour cloud at the site. An exclusion zone within a section of the Port of Hull has been established. Please be assured nobody outside the exclusion zone should be concerned.
“ABP are assisting the Fire Service and other authorities to resolve this situation as quickly as possible. The eastern access road entrance to the port is currently closed until further notice.”
A Humberside Police statement confirms their role in the multi-agency response:
"We are supporting our colleagues in Humberside Fire and Rescue Service at a chemical spill at King George Docks in Hull. Our officers are deployed to offer support to other emergency services to ensure the safety of workers on site and to ensure the normal function of the dock and surrounding roads.
"Traffic and travel in the area is not affected at this time - access to the ferry terminal and Hedon Road is functioning as normal."
Further updates to follow