Probe into toxic leak at factory

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An inquiry into what caused a chemical leak that injured 37 people at a factory could take several weeks.

One man, who suffered chemical burns at BASF's Seal Sands site near Billingham, Teesside, remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital.

A second person will need plastic surgery, according to Cleveland Police.

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inquiry has begun and a spokesman said all people involved in the affected operations will be interviewed.

Alex Keddie, principal inspector, of the Hazardous Installations Directorate of the HSE in the North East, said: "These things can take a long time - it could take a number of weeks.

"Currently we are looking at the management systems used in running the site and also at the plant itself and, as part of the investigations we will also be interviewing all the people involved in the incident."

The leak happened at BASF's Nylon Intermediates plant

Ambulance and fire crews from across the region responded to the leak, which happened on Thursday morning at the firm's Nylon Intermediates plant.

Fifteen people were treated in hospital and later released.

A further 20 workers were decontaminated at the site, according to the firm.

The casualties suffered burns, skin irritation and breathing difficulties.

Torben Berlin Jensen, BASF's managing director, said: "We are providing as much support as we can to the employees and their families.

"Our thoughts and sympathies are with them."

The leak involved hexamethylenediamine, which is corrosive and can be hazardous in high concentrations.