A routine morning turned into chaos at one of London’s leading hospitals after a suspected chemical blast triggered the emergency evacuation of 150 people.
Sudden Blast Halts Hospital Routine
Guy’s Hospital in Southwark, a major NHS facility, was partially evacuated on Thursday morning following a suspected chemical incident in its basement area.
The alarm was raised just before 9am, prompting a swift response from the London Fire Brigade. Two fire engines, two Fire Rescue Units, a command unit and specialist hazardous materials officers rushed to the scene.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Firefighters are responding to reports of a chemical incident at Guy’s Hospital. Two fire engines, two Fire Rescue Units, a Command Unit and specialist hazardous materials officers have been sent to the scene. Crews are carrying out operations to ventilate the building.”
Chaos on the Ground
Hospital staff and emergency teams evacuated approximately 150 people from the basement and ground floor levels. The affected areas were secured as fire crews began operations to identify and contain the hazard.
The incident occurred at around 8:49am, with units from Whitechapel, Dowgate, Euston and surrounding stations called in.
Shortly after, a cordon was set up. Streets surrounding the hospital saw swarms of evacuees and concerned onlookers. Social media was flooded with images showing large crowds gathered near London Bridge, visibly shaken and waiting for updates.
It started like any other morning – parents on the school run, commuters rushing to work. Then, at 8:49am, an emergency call came in. A chemical mix-up in the hospital’s basement changed everything. Within minutes, panic spread. 150 people had to be evacuated.
Thankfully, no one was seriously harmed. The cause? A dangerous reaction between chlorine and sulphuric acid. Emergency teams acted fast. The situation was brought under control, and the hospital was safely reopened.
What Happened?
Initial reports indicate the cause may have been a chemical reaction involving chlorine and sulphuric acid, mistakenly mixed by an engineer in the building’s lower levels. The combination is known to release toxic gases and potentially explosive energy.
Hazmat teams quickly ventilated the affected areas and declared there was no ongoing risk. While some individuals were reportedly taken for further medical assessment, no serious injuries have been confirmed.
A police officer at the scene later confirmed: “It’s just reopened now.”
Hospital Reopens, But Questions Linger
Guy’s Hospital, which specialises in cancer, kidney, urology, dental and orthopaedic care, has since resumed operations. However, investigations are now underway to determine how the hazardous substances were handled and whether safety protocols were breached.
Key Facts So Far:
- Emergency call received at 8:49am
- 150 people evacuated from the affected areas
- Chemical mix suspected between chlorine and sulphuric acid
- Incident cleared, no long-term risk confirmed
- The hospital reopened by late morning
What’s Still Unknown?
| What We Know | What’s Still Unclear |
|---|---|
| Time and scale of evacuation | Whether anyone was seriously harmed |
| Substances involved | Why were the chemicals mishandled |
| The hospital has resumed normal operation | If safety policies will be reviewed or updated |
Authorities are continuing their inquiries into the cause of the incident. Meanwhile, Guy’s Hospital faces calls for greater transparency and stronger safeguards against future chemical risks.
