18 Treated Following Ship Gas Leak

Eighteen people are being treated after toxic gas escaped from a ship docked at Warrenpoint, County Down.

The gas in question is aluminium phosphide, which is a poison used to kill small mammals like rodents.

An Garda Síochána has been informed of the potential for the pesticide to drift into the Republic’s jurisdiction.

It is thought the gas leaked out after the cargo of the ship became wet and unstable. Five people are suffering the effects of exposure to the gas.

A Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) spokesman said: "It is believed that there are five casualties suffering from the effects of exposure to the gas."

A Northern Ireland ambulance service spokesman said: "We have 18 patients. It is a chemical incident on a ship. Nine are en route to Daisy Hill hospital and nine are at the scene, and they will be transferred to Craigavon area hospital."

Residents in Newry Street had to be evacuated to the Town Hall, but have now returned home.

The cordon at the harbour remains in place.

The boat involved is reported to be the MV Arklow Meadow.

Police have warned people living nearby to keep their windows and doors closed.

The Public Health Agency released a statement saying: "All risk of adverse health effects associated with this incident applies only to those who have come into direct contact with the gas. The emergency services are currently identifying and treating all such individuals.

"The PHA would emphasise that there is no risk to the wider public, but asks that people in the general area cooperate with the authorities to ensure that this incident is handled safely and effectively. The PHA continues to work with colleagues in the emergency services and Southern Health and Social Care Trust on this incident."

(IT)