People evacuated after chemical leak at Wellington’s Victoria University science lab, large scale emergency response

Several people in a Victoria University science lab were evacuated today following a chemical leak which triggered a large-scale emergency response.

Five fire appliances, including a Hazmat unit and a command unit, rushed to Victoria University in Wellington this afternoon after an incident at its Kelburn campus.

Fire and Emergency shift manager Chris Dalton told NZME an alarm went off at the university about 1.40pm.

“People at the university reported strange smells and banging noises coming from one of the science labs.

“It appears to be some sort of reaction,” Dalton said.

“The chemical has been isolated and the site has been returned back to Victoria University.”

Public health staff also attended the incident.

A university spokesman said a science lab remained temporarily closed following a “minor incident” this afternoon.

“The rest of the campus is open. The incident triggered a fire alarm and people who were in the lab at the time left the building. There are no reports of injury. The incident is under control. Emergency services remain on site to complete investigations into the cause of the incident.”

A chemical spill at Vic uni has meant Police have closed intersection of Kelburn Parade, Fairlie Tce and Glasgow so alternative routes recommended in meantime.

— Wellington City Council (@WgtnCC) January 28, 2024

Wellington City Council said a nearby intersection was closed while emergency services responded to the incident.

“A chemical spill at Vic Uni has meant police have closed intersection of Kelburn Parade, Fairlie [Terrace] and Glasgow so alternative routes recommended in meantime.”

The road has now been reopened.