Updated: Parkeston - village cordoned off after chemical spill

A lorry leaked nitric acid as it left Parkeston quay yesterday at about 8.40am, causing roads to be closed for more than ten hours.

It is understood the driver returned to the port when he released there was a leak.

The port and Ramsey roundabout were closed while firefighters and specialists dealt with the spill.

Residents were told to avoid the area and keep doors and windows closed. Police advised motorists to avoid the area and the road closure meant surrounding roads had to take the extra traffic.

The police helicopter took to the skies over the port to help to direct operations as the area was cordoned off.

George Elmer, Ramsey and Parkeston Parish Council chairman, said: “I tried to go out, but it was blocked off everywhere from Ramsey roundabout.”

Parts of the road did not completely reopen until the early evening.

One eyewitness, who refused to be named, said: “It was leaking from the underside of the lorry’s trailer. There was quite a big puddle that stretched over the road.

“The whole of the village was closed off and they told everyone to stay indoors as the stuff is not breathable, it affects your lungs.”

Katie Poel, East of England Ambulance Service spokeswoman, said: “The service assessed and treated a total of nine patients who had inhaled small amounts of gas wafting from the nitric acid which had spilled there. Seven patients were taken to Colchester General Hospital by ambulance.

“Although none suffered any serious ill effects, they were taken for precautionary check-ups.

“Two further patients were assessed and treated by crews at Harwich ambulance station, but didn’t need to go to hospital.”

Divisional fire officer Andy Butcher, the incident commander, said the lorry contained about 100 litres of nitric acid in drums.

Crews from Dovercourt, Clacton and Colchester attended the spill.

Sara Rowland, Anglian Water spokeswoman, said it was unlikely the acid would pollute streams and drains as it would be diluted down.