A gas leak that led to the closure of roads in Merseyside was caused by a Co-op refrigeration unit.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service were called to Lea Green Road, yesterday on Tuesday, July 13, following reports of a chemical leak at around 1.45pm.
It has now been confirmed that the gas leak started at the St Helens Co-op distribution centre and came from a refrigerator where routine maintenance was being carried out.
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Staff were evacuated from the Lea Green road site and emergency services attended the scene closing the surrounding roads from Elton Head Rod to Marshalls Cross Road.
A spokesperson for Co-op, told the ECHO: "Our distribution centre in Lea Green was temporarily evacuated as a precaution following minor damage to a refrigeration unit during routine maintenance.
"The site was able to resume operation the same day and we apologise for any disruption caused to the surrounding community."
It was reported that one person was taken to hospital following the incident after complaining of headaches.
An alarm at the distribution centre sounded for more than two hours, with an emergency message telling workers: "Attention please. Everyone on this site must proceed internally to the staff canteen via the nearest available entrance due to a high level release of ammonia.
"You must remain there until you are advised by the duty manager that it is safe to exit the canteen."
Workers in the building, who s poke to the ECHO anonymously, said staff were herded into the canteen within the centre, where they stayed for more than five hours.
One person said: "At first we just thought it was a drill, then when the boss came in and announced how serious it was the mood did change.
"As you can imagine, being stuck in a canteen in this weather with so many people isn't the best.
"It’s a lot being stuck in but I'll give them credit - in there people came with drinks and snacks for people."
Another added: "People have been complaining of headaches."
The site was able to operate later that same day at around 6pm and emergency services left the scene at around 9pm.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue services said: "Crews have worked with multi agency partners and specialist teams on site to isolate and suppress the leak.
" The incident has been handed over to on site personnel and crews are making up their equipment. We expect to leave the scene shortly."
