50 hurt after chemical spill

More than 50 people have been injured, 15 seriously, after a chemical spill on an industrial estate in England.

Staffordshire Ambulance Service declared a major incident after the leak of titanium tetrachloride from a tanker in Stoneydelph, Tamworth.

A spokesman said the chemical turns to hazardous hydrogen chloride when in contact with the air.

He added: "We have 15 people injured, all very seriously, and at least 40 more casualties.

"I understand the leak has now been plugged. We have a large number of resources at the scene including decontamination units to decontaminate people before going to hospital.

"The casualties are being treated with drug therapy and oxygen and doctors are at the scene. We are being supported by colleagues from West Midlands Ambulance Service and Warwickshire crews."

The injured have been taken to the Good Hope Hospital, Sutton Coldfield, and the George Eliot Hospital, Nuneaton, but all hospitals throughout the West Midlands have been alerted.