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Two in hospital after 'chemical leak'
TWO workers were taken to hospital, and more than 30 firefighters were drafted in, after a serious chemical leak in Sheffield today.
Fire crews from five stations were called to the Viridor Waste Management site off Attercliffe Road, Attercliffe, after sulphide gas was accidentally released during the waste treatment process.
South Yorkshire Fire Service this morning advised people living and working in the Attercliffe area to shut their windows and stay indoors.
A Viridor spokesman said the gas poses no harm to the local community.
The sulphide gas, which gives off a smell similar to rotten eggs, was released from the site at Salmon Pastures at about 11am.
The smell was so strong that motorists on Attercliffe Road were forced to pull over.
One told The Star: "I was driving along Attercliffe Road and all of a sudden I was hit by this awful smell.
"It was so strong that my eyes started to water almost straightaway and I had to pull over.
"It frightened me to death because I just didn't know what was happening.
"I could see bus passengers coughing and rubbing their eyes too, so it affected a lot of people."
The police and Environment Agency are currently on site assessing the situation.
Dan Cooke, Viridor's External Affairs Manager, said: "There appears to have been a release of sulphide gas.
"Two male members of staff have been taken to hospital as a precaution. A full investigation is underway and we will work to establish the cause of the release."
• Have you been affected by the chemical leak? Add your comment below, email starnews@sheffieldnewspapers.co.uk or call the newsdesk on 0114 276 7676.
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Weather for Sheffield
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: East
