Janice R. Andrews
The sight of a massive orange cloud in the sky and noises of a huge blast near Belasis Avenue scared the people of Billingham today. Although firefighters have stated that they are looking into the incident, it is yet unknown what caused it.
Witnesses expressed concern about the cloud’s peculiar appearance and warned that it might contain hazardous materials. Concern was increased by reports of emergency sirens going off. The incident reminds me of one that happened in May 2018 and for which the locals were told there was no risk.
At 12:23 p.m., the Cleveland Fire Brigade received a call reporting smoke and an explosion. While on the scene, crews are evaluating the situation. Photographs of the orange cloud, which could be seen from all over the town and even from Teesside Airport, were shared on social media by locals.
According to Cleveland Police, there was a minor gas leak during the event, which took place near a fertilizer company in Haverton Hill. They said, “This lunchtime, emergency services were called to the Haverton Hill location of a fertiliser company due to allegations of an industrial incident involving a minor gas leak from the plant.
Now as this is fading, the incidence is starting to lessen. No one has been reported injured, and there are no off-site consequences or further public safety risks.”
According to an Environment Agency inquiry, the 2018 incident’s discharge was brought on by an unanticipated equipment failure. The off-site effects were avoided by the company’s autonomous safety mechanisms, which correctly triggered. There were no sanctions placed on the company.
Authorities are asking people to be calm and heed any safety instructions as the situation develops. We’ll keep you informed when further details become available.
