Feared chlorine leak in Christchurch: Person taken to hospital after incident at Tegel Foods plant

One person has been rushed to hospital after a suspected chlorine leak at a Christchurch industrial site.

The Herald understands the incident was at the Tegel Foods plant on Carmen Rd, State Highway 1, in Hei Hei.

Fire and Emergency told the Herald crews were called to Carmen Rd about 3.15pm after a report of a “suspected” leak.

Crews from fire stations at Wigram, Ilam and the Christchurch command unit attended. The command unit has chlorine detection equipment, a spokesman said.

Crews have been investigating; however, “we don’t believe there is a confirmed chlorine leak”, the spokesman said.

Hato Hone St John took one person to Christchurch City Hospital in a moderate condition.

Tegel Foods’ Christchurch plant declined to comment. A worker at a nearby business confirmed to the Herald emergency services had descended on the site.

Raphael Franks is an Auckland-based reporter who covers business, breaking news and local stories from Tāmaki Makaurau. He joined the Herald as a Te Rito cadet in 2022.

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