London’s Olympic Park in Stratford was evacuated by emergency services after the “release of noxious fumes” at the Aquatics Centre left many with breathing difficulties
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London Olympic Park: Aerial footage following ‘major incident’
A ‘major incident’ has been declared at London’s Olympic Park after noxious fumes left a number of people unable to breathe.
Emergency vehicles descended on the Aquatics Centre at the park in Stratford, East London after a large amount of chlorine was released.
Around 200 people were evacuated from the centre – including groups of school children, according to witnesses.
Some were reportedly treated for breathing difficulties in ambulances waiting nearby.
London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Due to a chemical reaction a high quantity of chlorine gas was released. London Ambulance Service are treating a number of patients.
“Around 200 people were evacuated from the centre. While we ventilate the premises we would ask those residents in the immediate vicinity to close doors and windows.”
London Ambulance Service said: “We are responding to an incident at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and have a number of resources on scene.”
Have you been affected by the incident at Stratford’s Olympic Park? Email [email protected]
A large number of emergency vehicles alongside the Aquatics centre in the Olympic Park
London Fire Brigade said: “Firefighters are dealing with reports of a chemical incident at Aquatics Centre on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. @Ldn_Ambulance are treating a number of patients.”
The official Twitter for the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park said: “There has been an incident @AquaticsCentre this morning involving the release of a gas.
“The area has been cordoned off and evacuated. We’re working with emergency services on site. There are a number of casualties with breathing difficulties being treated by @Ldn_Ambulance “.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan urged Londoners to avoid the area while he liaised with emergency services.
Emergency services outside the Aquatics Centre at the Olympic Park in Stratford
He wrote on Twitter: “I remain in close contact with our emergency services who are dealing with a gas-related incident at the London Aquatics Centre this morning.
“A number of people are being treated by @Ldn_Ambulance. Please avoid the area which has been cordoned off and evacuated.”
Images from the scene show huge crowds of emergency personnel, workers and those who were using the swimming pool.
Some people were reportedly ordered to evacuate immediately while still in their swimwear.
Mirror reporter Ashleigh Rainbird said groups of school children appeared to be at the pool at the time and were being safely evacuated from the building.
London Ambulance Service declared a major incident
(
Image:
@BellotEmma/Twitter)
She said a huge cordon remains in place, adding: “There’s quite a lot of construction work going on outside and they all had to down tools as well.
“WhenI was past I sae groups being evacuated. When I went back to look, I heard someone say some children were being given oxygen.
“They have taken people to a nearby pub where some are sitting in blankets.
“The cordon is very big and it is very close to Westfield shopping centre, which is still open.”
The Metropolitan Police said: “Officers were alerted by London Fire Brigade at 9.53am on Wednesday, March 23 to a leak of noxious fumes a the Aquatics Centre, Queen Elizabeth Park, E20.
“Officers and London Ambulance Service have also attended the scene. A number of people have been evacuated from the premises.”
The swimming pool is located within the famous Olympic Park, home to the 2012 summer Olympics.
It is also located near to the huge Westfield Stratford shopping centre.
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https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/breaking-londons-olympic-park-gas-26536068
