Workers burned in chemical leak in Telford chemical spill
Three workers suffered burns following a chemical leak at a Shropshire Muller factory.
It is the second time in just three months that staff have been hospitalised at plants run by the company.
Three people were treated after a chemical leak at Muller's factory in Telford yesterday afternoon.
The workers were exposed to nitric acid when it leaked from a tank at the factory.
Emergency workers in protective clothing descended on the factory on Granville Road in Donnington Wood. The incident occurred at 2.45pm
It comes after a similar accident at Muller's Creamery in Minsterley in September, in which four people required hospital treatment.
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, West Mercia Police, West Midlands Ambulance service and the Environmental Protection Unit were all sent to the Donnington Wood Muller factory.
A spokesman for Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service said the injured workers, all men, were being treated for burn injuries.
They are believed to be walking wounded and their burns are not believed to be serious.
The company said it has launched an investigation and called in the Health & Safety Executive.
Graeme Jack, company spokesman, said: "We can confirm an incident at our Telford facility. In line with the stringent protocols which we have in place, the Health & Safety Executive has been informed and we have begun a full investigation."
Two ambulances, a paramedic area support officer and a senior paramedic officer treated the workers at the scene before they were taken to the Princess Royal Hospital.
It is believed the area affected was locked down as part of a rehearsed safety procedure.
Police said there was no danger to people outside of the factory after tests showed the leak had been contained.
Force duty inspector Lee McIntosh said: "It is an acid leak from inside a tank. The leak has been contained.
"There is no threat or concern to the wider public. The room in which the leak happened is on lock down. We are not asking anyone outside the factory to evacuate.
"Workers have been exposed to acid and are being treated at the Princess Royal Hospital."
On September 30 at Muller's plant in Minsterley, four people were hurt and the building evacuated after cleaning chemicals caused gas to be released.
Staff suffered from breathing difficulties and were taken to hospital for further treatment.
