Chemical leak at ice rink sparks huge emergency response with 100m cordon in place & locals warned to stay away
FIRE crews have cordoned off an ice rink following a chemical leak.
The fire service said the leak at the Oxford Ice Rink was safely contained but a 100m cordon (330ft) remains around the building in the city centre.
Crews are still present at the ice rink as a precaution, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said.
The rink was closed to the public on Saturday for two weeks for work to relay the ice.
In total, five fire appliances are at the scene, including a “decontamination and environmental protection unit”.
Cops are standing at various points around the cordon, which includes an adjacent green area beside the River Thames.
A spokesperson for Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called to Oxford Ice Rink at 09:35 this morning to attend a chemical leak.
“Four fire engines from Rewley Road, Abingdon, Kidlington and Slade Park fire stations are in attendance.
“The leak has been safely contained, and was in the plant room at the ice rink, so not in the public area.
“As a precaution a 100m cordon has been put in place. Some of Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service’ crews will remain on site as a precaution for the time being.”
A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said: “Officers are currently assisting Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Service with a chemical incident at the Oxford Ice Rink.
“The road is currently open however please avoid the area if you can, to allow a safe working environment for all emergency services on scene.”