Gas Leak On Humberside

Four people are being treated in hospital for toxic inhalation and burns after poisoned gas leaked from a titanium products factory.

Titanium tetrachloride fumes escaped from the Cristal Global factory on the south bank of the River Humber at around 12.30am, causing estuary shipping to be stopped for several hours, the coastguard said.

Cristal Global, based in Stallingborough, specialises in making titanium-based products.

Humberside Police said the gas leak is now under control and claimed the fumes are not a risk to anyone living nearby.

A spokesman said: "A plume of gas has escaped following an accident at a factory. It is dissipating naturally in the air and there is no risk to any surrounding area."

Firefighters, who contained the spillage using a special foam, said about 100 people were working in the factory when the chemicals started leaking at around midnight.

Boats began sailing again in the estuary at around 5am, the coastguard said.

Copyright © Press Association 2010

David Urpeth from law firm Irwin Mitchell said: “This is a very worrying accident at work.

“Accidents of this nature pose a potential risk for workers and residents alike.

“The law requires employers to protect workers and residents from any substance likely to cause harm.”

Mr Urpeth represented over 75 workers and many residents who were injured in the 2001 at the Killingholme refinery when over 170 tonnes of liquid petroleum gas caught fire, the largest chemical disaster since Flixborough. Conoco-Phillips, who owned the plant, was eventually fined £1m for breaching health and safety regulations after the explosion at its Humber refinery.

If you or someone you know has been affected by this incident, our experts may be able to help. Fill in our online claims form for free legal advice