Three taken to hospital after chemical incident at Scottish Gas HQ

THREE people were taken to hospital and 10 more received treatment after a suspected chemical incident in Edinburgh.

The Scottish Gas headquarters in Waterfront Avenue, in Granton, were evacuated as fire crews investigated the cause.

Police, ambulance and fire crews were alerted at 5.15pm yesterday.

Paramedics treated 13 people for minor effects. They also said that three of those individuals were taken to hospital for observation.

People were told to avoid the area as investigations into the incident began.

It is understood a number of workers were complaining about headaches and feeling ill throughout the day.

One said: “I was in the office today but left just before it was evacuated – and went home as I felt dodgy and vision was blurry, funnily enough.”

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said at around 8.30pm that crews with breathing apparatus had left the building.

Fire crews also said tests revealed that the atmosphere was at a “safe level”.

However, further inspections are to be carried out.

The building, which has capacity for 1,150 workers, was completely evacuated by about 5.30pm.

One woman at the scene said: “All the gas for most of Edinburgh used to be held in the area, so there are a huge number of underground pipes.”

Police said they received a call about a possible chemical incident at around 5.15pm.

A spokesman for the force said: “We are working alongside our partners in the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to establish the cause of this incident.

“Thirteen people have received treatment at the scene for minor illness.

“Three of these people have been taken to hospital for further observation.

“We would urge people to avoid the Waterfront area while the emergency response is ongoing.”

The spokesman added: “Waterfront Broadway, Waterfront Avenue and Caroline Park Avenue are currently closed and the area is cordoned off.’

Scottish Gas parent company Centrica was unable to comment on the incident when contacted last night.

We would urge people to avoid the Waterfront area