Nine patients have been treated after a “chemical incident” at a central London hospital caused a mass evacuation.
Firefighters, including specialist hazardous materials officers, were sent to Guy’s Hospital due to an incident in the plant room that produced chlorine gas.
The London Fire Brigade said around 150 people were evacuated from the basement and ground floor levels of the hospital by firefighters and hospital staff.
One person was injured and others treated for chlorine gas inhalation after the incident, believed to have been caused by the mixing of chemicals inside a plant room which produced a chlorine gas.
The London Ambulance Service confirmed that it treated nine patients, with four taken to hospital.
Two fire engines, two Fire Rescue Units, and a Command Unit were sent to the scene.
The Brigade was first called about the incident at 8.49am on Thursday, with crews from Whitechapel, Dowgate, Euston and surrounding fire stations heading to the hospital.
For the latest updates in our live blog scroll down.
Coverage ends
16:25 , Matt WattsWe have ended our live coverage of the evacuation of some patients at Guy’s Hospital due to a chemical incident.
London Ambulance Service treats nine patients after chemical incident
13:43 , Jacob PhillipsThe London Ambulance Service has said that it treated nine patients following a chemical incident at Guy’s Hospital.
LAS Hart, specialist paramedics who provide treatments in hazardous environments, were also sent to the scene.
In a post on X, an LAS spokesperson said: “We sent multiple resources to the scene, including ambulance crews, an incident response officer, and LAS Hart.
“We treated nine patients, taking four patients to hospital and discharging five patients at the scene.”
Hospital staff member injured following chemical incident
13:15 , Jacob PhillipsA staff member at Guy’s Hospital was injured during a chemical incident in the plant room, the hospital has confirmed.
A spokesperson for Guy’s and St Thomas’ said: “The London Fire Brigade attended a chemical incident in a non-patient area of Guy’s Hospital today.
“One staff member was injured and several people, who came to the aid of the person, were treated for the inhalation of chlorine gas.
“The site has now reopened and people should attend their appointments unless they are contacted by us directly.”
One injured 'due to chemical reaction' and other treated for inhalation of chlorine gas
13:05 , Matt WattsLondon Fire Brtigade have released more details of the incident now.
They say one person has been injured as a result of a chemical reaction during the mixing of chemicals in the plant room.
Others who cmae to their aid have been treated for inhalation of chlorine gas.
Here is the statment in full: “Firefighters responded to reports of a chemical incident at Guys Hospital, SE1, today (14 August).
“The incident is believed to have been caused by the mixing of chemicals inside a plant room which produced a chlorine gas.
“One person was injured as a result of a chemical reaction. Several people, who came to the aid of the person, have been treated for the inhalation of chlorine gas.Firefighters have carried out a sweep of the area to check for no elevated readings of chlorine gas.
“The building has also been ventilated. Crews also supported with the precautionary evacuation of the basement and ground floors of the building.
“Two fire engines, two Fire Rescue Units, a Command Unit and specialist hazardous materials officers attended the scene.
“The Brigade was first called about the incident at 0849, with crews from Whitechapel, Dowgate, Euston and surrounding fire stations sent to the scene. The incident was over for firefighters by 1109. “
Recap: Around 150 people evacuated from Guy's Hospital after 'chemical explosion'
12:20 , Jacob PhillipsAround 150 people were evacuated on Thursday morning at Guy’s Hospital following a suspected chemical explosion.
Patients were evacuated from the basement and ground floor levels of the hospital by firefighters and hospital staff.
A police officer at the scene told The Sun newspaper that there had been a chemical leak in the basement of the hospital.
The officer said chlorine had been mixed with sulphuric acid and had “totally exploded”.
The area has since been cleared and patients have returned to the hospital.
Street outside Guy's Hospital completely clear following evacuation
11:56 , Jacob PhillipsSt Thomas Street outside Guy’s Hospital is now completely clear following the earlier evacuation, our reporter at the scene Bill Bowkett reports.
The street is now very calm with barely anyone seeming to know there was an evacuation.
Chemical leak in the basement led to explosion, says police officer at scene
11:37 , Jacob PhillipsA police officer at the scene has explained that there was a chemical leak in the basement of Guy’s hospital, but explained that it has now reopened.
The officer told The Sun newspaper: "One of the engineers accidentally mixed chlorine with sulphuric acid, and it totally exploded.”
“There’s been a chemical spill in the basement that was potentially quite dangerous," another police officer added.
"But it’s all been cleared and it’s absolutely no risk to anybody."
Incident over for firefighters shortly after 11am
11:30 , Jacob PhillipsThe London Fire Brigade has issued an updated statement after Guy’s Hospital was evacuated on Thursday morning.
The Brigade explained that the incident was over for firefighters by 11.09am on Thursday.
It is understood that around 150 people were evacuated from the basement and ground floor of one of the hospital’s buildings.
Patient escorted by firefighter as dozens evacuate from Guy's Hospital
11:28 , Jacob PhillipsFootage from outside the hospital appears to show a firefighter escorting an elderly patient from the building.
Meanwhile, dozens of people can be seen standing on the street on the other side of the road outside London Bridge station.
Evacuation at specialist hospital in central London
11:23 , Jacob PhillipsGuy’s Hospital in Southwark has space for 400 beds and has a state-of-the-art cancer centre.
The hospital is used to provide treatment for a range of cancers, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery.
It is also used for kidney, urology, orthopaedic, dental, ear, nose and throat treatments.
Firefighters responding to chemical incident at Guy's Hospital
11:17 , Jacob PhillipsFirefighters are responding to reports of chemical incident at Guy's Hospital.
Patients, visitors and staff have been evacuated from the basement and ground floor levels of the hospital by firefighters.
Crews are carrying out operations to ventilate the building, the London Fire Brigade said.
Two fire engines, two Fire Rescue Units, a Command Unit and specialist hazardous materials officers have been sent to the scene.
The Brigade was first called about the incident at 8.49am on Thursday.
