St Albans Leisure Centre 'safe to visit' after 'chemical spill' evacuation
Two staff members were taken to hospital, but didn't require treatment
Last updated 23rd Feb 2022
Bosses at a St Albans Leisure Centre say it is safe to visit, after an evacuation yesterday (22nd February) following a report of a chemical spill.
Two men were taken to hospital, after it was discovered at Westminster Lodge just before 3pm, with Hertfordshire Police reporting chlorine gas had been exposed.
Officials at the centre say the staff members didn't require medical attention, and have returned home.
Safe to visit
The leisure centre is part of theEveryone Active group. Steve Cox, contract manager, said: "Westminster Lodge was evacuated yesterday afternoon due to an incident at the centre. The team responded immediately and the emergency services were called as a precautionary measure. Two colleagues were taken to hospital for routine checks but didn’t require any medical attention and are now back home and well.
“We’re pleased to confirm that Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre has now reopened and we would like to assure everyone that the centre is safe to visit. Our spa remains closed at present but we will notify customers as soon as we have an update. All other activities will resume as normal.
“We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused to our customers and thank them for their patience.”
Emergency service response
Road closures were in place in the area, with emergency services asking people to avoid the area.
A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Police said: "We were alerted to a chemical leak, believed to be chlorine gas, at Westminster Lodge, St Albans, at around 2.40pm yesterday (Tuesday 22 February).
"Police and Fire attended and the building was evacuated.
"Two people were affected by the chemicals and paramedics were called..
"Road closure on Hollybush Lane was put in place and some surrounding buildings cordoned off as a precaution."
An East of England Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called to Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre in Holywell Hill in St Albans just before 3pm yesterday following reports of a chemical spill.
"Two ambulances, two vehicles from the Hazardous Area Response Team and a rapid response vehicle attended the scene. Two adult men who had minimal exposure were transported to Watford General Hospital for further assessment and observation.”
The centre reopened four hours later, apologising to customers for any inconvenience.