Major incident stood down after Kilkeel factory gas leak

By Adam Evans

Two people are being kept in hospital in a stable condition after a major incident at a fish factory in Kilkeel.

13 were initially taken to Daisy Hill in Newry after a gas leak at around 1.30pm this afternoon.

Young's Seafood says engineers were on site when it happened and the leak was stopped immediately.

The Fire and Rescue service says there is no risk to the public and the Health and Safety Watchdog is investigating.

A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said: "NIAS received a call at 13:34 on Monday 16 July 2018 following reports of a gas leak in the vicinity of the Harbour Road, Kilkeel.

"NIAS despatched eight Emergency Ambulances, two Rapid Response Paramedics, five Paramedic Officers and one HART responder to the scene. The Charity Air Ambulance was also tasked to the incident.

"A major incident was declared by NIAS at 14:15."

A Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) Spokesperson said:

"NIFRS was called at 12.38pm to a report of an ammonia gas leak in the vicinity of the Harbour Road, Kilkeel. The cause of the leak had been isolated prior to the arrival of Fire Crews.  

"Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus surveyed the site with gas monitors to check for the presence of ammonia gas – all readings were zero.

"Firefighters gave oxygen therapy to 2 casualties prior to the arrival of Ambulance crews. Fire Crews from Kilkeel, Newcastle and Warrenpoint Fire Stations remain at the scene. Ambulance personnel are transferring casualties to hospital.

"Daisy Hill Hospital requested NIFRS to stand by to provide support in receiving casualties if required. At this stage no action has been required.

"There is no risk to the public from this gas leak."

A spokesperson for Young's Seafood Ltd Kilkeel said: "On Monday 16 July 2018, the Fire and Rescue Service attended the Young’s Kilkeel site in Northern Ireland after reports of a suspected small ammonia leak. 

"Engineers were on site at the time, conducting routine annual tests, and the leak was stopped immediately. There are no reports at this time of any Young’s employee being effected by the leak. 

"The Fire and Rescue team attended the site and we have received confirmation that it is safe to re-enter the site. 

"We are currently liaising with the Fire and Rescue Service and implementing our investigation plan and cannot comment further until we have concluded our investigation. 

"We expect production on the site to resume tomorrow and our focus is on ensuring the safety and welfare of our team and continuing to provide our customers and consumers with great quality fish and seafood."