Three hospitalised after chemical incident in Sydenham

A person who was hospitalised in critical condition after being overcome by chemicals in Sydenham is now stable and doing well. The incident occurred at Solvent Rescue, a specialist solvent recycling and liquid purifying plant on Coleridge Street.

Emergency services were called to the commercial property shortly before 4pm on Thursday. Firefighters had to enter the building to rescue people affected by the chemicals, including one person who was found unconscious.

Three people were transported to Christchurch Public Hospital, with one in critical condition and two in moderate condition. Nearby businesses were instructed to stay inside with doors and windows shut while emergency services attended.

Fire and Emergency NZ crews worked to make the scene safe and handed the property back to the owner at approximately 7pm on Thursday. WorkSafe has been notified and is conducting initial inquiries.

How it developed

• Fri 16 Oct, 8:46amThe person previously in critical condition is now stable and doing well according to police.
• Fri 16 Oct, 9:19amWorkSafe has been notified and is carrying out initial inquiries into the incident.

Where reports differ

• Reports vary on the number of Fire and Emergency crews attending, with some citing seven and others eight.
• Reports differ on the number of people rescued from the building, with some stating two people were rescued and others stating three.
• One report states the incident was a chemical spill, while another notes there was no evidence of a chemical leak.

Compiled from reports by NZ Herald, 1News, Otago Daily Times, Stuff, The Press and RNZ.