Orange plume erupts from lorry in acid ‘explosion'
Credit: Manchester Evening News / Kieran Melling
An orange cloud erupted from a tanker in Oldham after an acid reaction.
Luminous vapour shrouded part of an industrial estate shortly after 3pm on Wednesday, and neighbours were warned to shut their windows as the cloud dispersed.
Video footage showed bright orange vapour billowing from the gas tanker lorry.
'There was a strong acid poured into a truck from a site that deals with cleaning metals,' a firefighter at the scene told the Manchester Evening News.
'It's reacted with the truck and created a vapour cloud which has now dissipated. We are now dealing with the cleanup, crews are blocking drains and containing spills.
'There is no ongoing risk to the public or to the environment.'
Members of the emergency services wore bright green hazmat suits as they hosed down West End Street with water. Ambulance crews were also in attendance and the street was cordoned off.
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: 'At around 3.15pm, five fire engines from Ashton, Heywood, Mossley, Rochdale, Bury fire stations plus the incident command unit from Rochdale fire station attended a chemical and gas leak from an HGV on West End Street, Oldham.
'Firefighters wearing PPE and using specialist equipment worked alongside partners to make the vehicle and surrounding area safe, with some nearby businesses and buildings evacuated while this took place.
'The incident has now been scaled down with no wider threat to the public while crews work with partners to decontaminate the affected area so businesses can return to the site. GMFRS are likely to remain in attendance overnight while this work takes place.'
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: 'Officers are currently supporting colleagues in the fire service as they carry out work following an incident on West End Street, Oldham.
The public are asked to avoid the area, and keep their doors and windows closed if nearby.'
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