Chlorine leak at London hospital

A staff member is believed to have mixed chemicals in a hospital plant room producing chlorine gas.

Chlorine leak injures four at London hospital

Four people were taken to hospital after chlorine gas was released in a hospital plant room in central London just before 9 am. The London Fire Brigade said firefighters and equipment arrived at the scene, and specialist hazardous materials officers helped manage the incident. Around 150 people were evacuated from basement and ground floors as the building was ventilated and readings were checked for elevated chlorine levels.

London Ambulance Service said nine people were treated at the scene and four patients were taken to hospital, with the remainder discharged at the scene. The hospital trust said the incident occurred in a non-patient area and that the site has reopened. It noted that the immediate responders were staff who aided the person involved. The hospital is a 400-bed teaching and research facility that provides cancer treatment and other services.

The episode shows how quickly a hospital can become a risk zone when chemicals are involved, even in a non-patient area. It highlights the importance of rapid, coordinated action among hospital staff and emergency services to limit harm and restore operations. In the coming weeks, health facilities may review plant room safety, labeling, and staff training to reduce the chance of a repeat incident and to reassure patients and staff alike.

Highlights

A sober reminder that safety is a constant responsibility in care settings