Factory cleared in fumes alert

Sub officer Jan Ingram raised the alarm himself when he was on his way to lunch from Bexhill Fire Station.

Firefighters from Bexhill and Hastings were on the scene within minutes but a sudden rainstorm helped disperse the toxic vapour into the atmosphere. Police and paramedics also attended.

Several people suffered watery or runny eyes at the scene but there were no major problems.

The incident happened at RHM Frozen Foods, a refrigeration plant on the Beeching Road industrial estate.

A fire brigade spokesman said something overheated and pressurised the system. It built up until a pressure relief valve sent a small quantity of ammonia into the air.

Firefighters from Hastings went to the scene as they carry special ammonia protective suits.

Twenty staff from Birchwood Ford s body shop works next door were also evacuated after feeling the effects of the leak.

Sub officer Jan Ingram said: I put the call into the emergency services about 2.30pm when I smelled the ammonia. My eyes started watering and I got tight-chested. It was really strong.

As I got closer I could hear the rush of gas from RHM Foods.

We went up there and after two minutes found it was the pressure relief valve that had vented gas around Beeching Road, Piltdown Close and Eastwood Road.

We got information from the factory manager and were on standby in case there was a problem.

Police toured the area to check if anyone was suffering any discomfort.

Ammonia could give tight-chestedness, stinging eyes and itchiness where you sweat. We would have had to wear full protective suits if it has been particularly bad.

The rain helped in perhaps grounding the particles or diluting them into the atmosphere.

Chris Matthew was walking down Downsland Avenue towards the plant with his wife when he smelled strong ammonia.

It got stronger and stronger as we got nearer and nearer to the factory, he said.

I had a look down the alleyway and saw employees with gas masks on at the back of the plant. They said it was under control.

The smell was pretty strong and stung my eyes. It certainly cleared the synuses.

Sgt Trish Reeve-Foulkes said police were called as a precautionary measure and to help keep the area clear.

We drove round the surrounding area to confirm no-one was affected.

A spokesman for the plant said staff were back at work within an hour.