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Four treated over abattoir leak Four treated over toxic gas leak
(about 1 hour later)
An abattoir in Angus has been evacuated after four people, including a paramedic, suffered breathing difficulties caused by gas inhalation. An animal incineraton plant has been shut after four people, including a paramedic, suffered breathing difficulties caused by gas inhalation
Emergency services were called to Brechin Abattoir in Montrose Road just before 1000 BST on Wednesday. Emergency services were called to the plant in Brechin just before 1000 BST.
One worker, a 56-year-old man from Brechin, is in a serious condition at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee with severe damage to his lungs.One worker, a 56-year-old man from Brechin, is in a serious condition at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee with severe damage to his lungs.
Two other men are being treated for irritation to their lungs. Two other men are being treated for irritation to their lungs. A female paramedic was also being treated.
The men, aged 53 and 34, one from Perth and the other from Brechin, are being treated in Ninewells Hospital's short-stay ward.The men, aged 53 and 34, one from Perth and the other from Brechin, are being treated in Ninewells Hospital's short-stay ward.
Hydrogen sulphideHydrogen sulphide
A female paramedic, who treated one of the men at the scene, has also been detained in hospital with irritation to her lungs. The paramedic, who treated one of the men at the scene, has also been detained in hospital with irritation to her lungs.
Tayside Police said it is believed that their symptoms may have been caused by some form of gas inhalation, possibly hydrogen sulphide. It is believed that their symptoms may have been caused by some form of gas inhalation, possibly hydrogen sulphide.
The abattoir was evacuated as a precautionary measure. The animal incineration plant is operated by Sacone Environmental Ltd.
Tayside Fire and Rescue Service, together with the Public Health Analyst, are currently investigating the circumstances. An abbatoir operated by sister company Matheson Jeff Ltd is also on the same site.
The Health and Safety Executive has also been informed. In December, the BBC reported that Sacone Environmental Ltd had been criticised by local residents in Brechin who claimed plant was releasing smells which were causing sickness in the local community.
A spokesperson for the Health and Safety Executive told the BBC's news website that the company had volunteered to shut its doors following the incident on Wednesday.
She added that a joint investigation would be carried out between the Health and Safety Executive and Tayside Police.
The plant is expected to remain closed while the investigation is being carried out.