UPDATED: Police, fire and ambulance crews are in attendance at a property in Cowes this evening (Wednesday) where a chemical incident has occurred.
Two fire appliances from Newport and Cowes, two ambulances, an ambulance officer, fire service officers and several Police units are attending St Mary’s Road, which has been cordoned off.
It is understood a chemical incident has taken place and paramedics are working to assist a number of casualties.
It is thought ambulance crews arrived on scene first before requesting the assistance of the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus have entered the building.
The British Red Cross Emergency Fire and Support Unit is also now on scene to assist homeowners.
UPDATE @ 20:45 – As darkness falls emergency services remain on scene, however no further details have yet been released about what the chemical is or the risk it poses to the public.
Witnesses report seeing a woman throwing up, whilst a male is also thought to have been involved.
At least one casualty is being prepared to be conveyed to St Mary’s Hospital by land ambulance. A third ambulance has arrived on scene.
UPDATE @ 21:00 – Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus have re-entered the property with plastic bags, presumably to gather objects from within the building.
One ambulance has now left the scene, however two remain. The area is still cordoned off.
In a statement issued tonight, Police have said the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service are dealing with a hazardous chemical incident and that Police were contacted just after 19:00 by the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service.
A man in his 20s is being treated by paramedics.
The Isle of Wight Ambulance Service was alerted to the incident at 18:41, initially sending one ambulance. This was followed by a second ambulance and then a senior officer.
Police are asking Islanders to avoid the St Mary’s Road area of Cowes.
UPDATE @ 21:30 – Two adults have been conveyed to St Mary’s Hospital and one person has been treated at the scene, it has been confirmed.
The Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service are making no comment on the incident at this stage.
UPDATE @ 21:55 – Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service have been mobilised to assist with the on-going incident.
A Detection, Identification and Monitoring Unit (DIM) has been requested from Winchester.
The incident is being described as ‘sensitive’ and is a Police-led investigation.
UPDATE @ 23:35 – Two paramedics have been treated in hospital as a result of this evening’s chemical incident.
Police and fire officers remain on scene tonight.
In a statement issued a short while ago a spokesman for Isle of Wight NHS Trust confirmed:
“The Ambulance Service initially despatched one emergency vehicle. This was followed by a second vehicle and then a senior officer (referred to as ‘Bronze’) attended in a car. A fourth vehicle was also subsequently sent.
“One individual was initially treated at the scene. The family living at the property were conveyed to St. Mary’s Hospital, Newport for checks and are being discharged.
“The two Ambulance Service crew who attended the scene initially were also conveyed to hospital. They too are being discharged following treatment.
It is yet to be confirmed if the person initially treated at the scene has sustained or succumbed to any injuries as a result of the incident, however Police have confirmed that a man in his 20s has received treatment.
UPDATE THURSDAY @ 00:20 – The DIM Unit and a pumping appliance from Winchester, plus a support vehicle and two officers also from the mainland are now in attendance at the scene in Cowes as work gets underway to identify the chemical involved.
The road remains cordoned off tonight, although local residents have been able to stay in their homes.
Further updates are expected at first light.
UPDATE THURSDAY @ 08:20 – Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service have now left the scene and returned to the mainland.
St Mary’s Road remains closed with Police in attendance.
No further information has been released by Police about the chemical or the casualties involved
UPDATE @ 09:00 – Police have this morning confirmed that a man in his 20s has died.
Further updates at https://www.islandecho.co.uk/news/man-20s-dies-cowes-chemical-incident.
More to follow
