Hundreds of people evacuated from UK Coca-Cola factory after toxic acid leak

19 January 2023 , 09:55

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Emergency services were called to the Coca-Cola site in south east London following reports of an acid leak (Image: UkNewsinPictures)

Hundreds of Coca-Cola workers were evacuated last night following an acid leak at a London factory.

Around 200 workers were forced to down tools and abruptly leave the Coco-Cola plant on Wednesday evening after a dangerous hydrochloric acid leak.

Six fire engines pitched up to the corporation's site in Sidcup late on Wednesday evening, while Met Police officers were also rushed to the scene sealing off surrounding roads.

Fire crew members were seen heading into the building wearing chemical protection suits and oxygen masks.

Dramatic drone pictures show multiple fire engines at the site as crew members don personal protective equipment, with rising smoke seen coming from one of the buildings.

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Hydrochloric acid reportedly leaked at Coca-Cola's site in south east London (UkNewsinPictures)

The fire and rescue service were reportedly seen entering the plant's boiler room facility, and said they had to use chemical equipment to get rid of the acid.

Hydrochloric acid can cause serious burns and blindness if in contact with human skin and eyes, although London Fire Brigade has since confirmed nobody was injured.

The incident has since been brought under control, LFB confirmed on Thursday morning.

Six fire engines were called to the scene in Sidcup (UkNewsinPictures)

A statement from the fire service said: "We were called to a leak of hydrochloric acid at 20:39 on Wednesday evening. Two hundred people were evacuated from the factory before we arrived.

"We used chemical equipment to test the levels of chemicals in the area and worked on site to disperse it.

"The leak was isolated at approximately 23:30 and we remained on scene throughout the night doing checks before we left. The incident is now over.

"There was no evacuation of residents, and no-one was treated by emergency services. We are not aware of any advice to close windows and doors."

Coca-Cola have been contacted for comment.

Susie Beever