Six men were taken to hospital after a chemical spill at Harwich docks.
They breathed in poisonous gas when dealing with a lorry at Navyard Wharf in Kings Quay Street yesterday just after 11am.
It is thought the men were exposed to refrigerant gas, which had leaked from air conditioning units being transported on the lorry.
The gas, chloridifluromethane, can cause unconsciousness, breathing problems, suffocation and severe damage to the eyes.
Michael Waters, docks operations manager, said six people, including the lorry driver and a worker from another company, were taken to Harwich Hospital immediately.
They were then taken by ambulance to Colchester General Hospital shortly afterwards where they were expected to have precautionary check ups.
No-one was thought to be hurt in the incident.
Published Tuesday November 18, 2003
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