Maidstone chemical leak: 57 people experiencing ‘breathing difficulties’ at site in Kent

A specialist chemical unit and firefighters were also scrambled to the scene as 57 people reported symptoms. A patient at Maidstone Hospital said they had witnessed a “complete lockdown” of the site as people were not allowed to enter the building and large tents were set up outside to deal with the incident. In a statement, Kent Fire and Rescue Service said it had dispatched five engines to the site after the alarm was raised shortly before 3pm this afternoon.

The service said: “Kent Fire and Rescue Service is responding to an incident in Sutton Road, Langley near Maidstone, following a suspected chemical leak at a commercial site. 

“Five fire engines, hazardous material officers and a specialist chemical unit are in attendance. 

“South East Coast Ambulance paramedics are looking after 57 people experiencing breathing difficulties.” 

Richard Hurley was attending an appointment at Maidstone Hospital when he witnessed an operation unfold. 

He said police began to descend on the site and ambulances lined up as the hospital appeared to prepare for a sudden influx of people. 

He told Kent Online: “Nobody is being allowed into the hospital and big white hazard tents have been set up outside.

“There’s a lot of activity, I’d describe it as a full-scale operation.

“I can see five police cars, a couple of vans and now there are quite a few ambulances queuing up.” 

South East Coast Ambulance Service said none of the injured persons were in a serious condition. 

Those having trouble breathing are believed to be workers on a fruit-picking farm. 

According to reports, dozens of people experienced dizziness and nausea. 

The fire service gave an update at 5pm to say 40 firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are working at the site.