Hazard
A SUSPECTED CHEMICAL spill in Oxford city centre caused hours of disruption to shoppers and drivers last Friday.
The scare led to the closure of major routes including Broad Street, Magdalen Street and Park End Street. They were shut for nearly four hours, causing delays to rush-hour traffic.
Two police officers were taken to hospital for treatment after it was feared they had inhaled chemicals, but their condition was not serious.
Fire services were called in following reports of a strong chemical smell coming from an white Transit van parked outside Debenhams on Magdelen Street, and an emergency was declared at 4.30pm.
One business decided to temporarily close certain exits. Shoppers in Debenhams were told at around 5.30pm that the Magdelen Street door had been shut, and advised to use the side doors. Several shoppers were unnerved by this announcment, and "left straight away", according to one student. The store gave no reason for the closure at the time.
Firefighters investigating the unmarked van wore protective clothing and breathing apparatus. They found around 50 containers inside, but none of them were leaking. The source of the chemical smell was the vapour being given off. A spokesperson from the fire service confirmed that the contents of the van was "non-hazardous".
The driver of the van was later permitted to leave with the vehicle, and fire services remained at the scene until 8.30pm.
Tbe van was owned by Capitol Controls, a Didcot-based company which makes water analysis equipment. A spokeperson from the company said the van was meant to be empty, and he had no idea why it was parked in Magdelen Street. Police described the harmless chemical, Tytronics Manganese, as being similar to vinegar, used for the testing of water purity.
Divisional Fire Officer Ian Mills confirmed that they had followed the normal procedure of taking the "greatest level of protection we can." After leaving the area, the firefighters were decontaminated as part of this procedure. The 26-year-old policeman and 29-year-old policewoman left hospital after treatment.
15th Feb 2001