Police investigate suspected 'chemical incident' at Beachy Head

[abilockhart]

Quite a strange story:

Up to 50 people have been evacuated from a popular beach after a suspected chlorine gas leak resulted in them suffering from breathing problems.

A "chemical mist" descended on the beach on Sunday afternoon causing people to vomit and leaving their eyes "burning" and throats "sore".

The incident, at Birling Gap near Beachy Head on the East Sussex coast, happened as holidaygoers were enjoying the Bank Holiday weekend sunshine.

www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/beachy-head-chemical-incident-chlorine-gas-leak-causes-evacuation-of-up-to-50-people-complaining-a3621286.html

I've heard several reports and seen reports on line and it's really unclear what is causing this at the moment.

Chlorine gas can kill you and that's why they would say to stay indoors with windows and doors shut but it doesn't seem to be likely it is that.

My DD is a trainee paramedic in that area (although at home right now) so she is likely to hear from fellow students about what is going on. If I find out I will post what I hear.

Thanks, MycatsaPirate.

The whole thing sounds rather odd.

I was at a BBQ last night and my eyes were really stinging and I assumed it was from the BBQ, this morning I woke at 5am with the most terrible sore throat, then I have seen the news as this is very local to me.

There is a thread in chat on this with lots of comments, not sure how you attach the link

Thanks, adviceadviceasvic1234.

Very strange and even stranger that the authorities seem to be keeping very quiet about it

I had wondered if there were any large outflow pipes around there and some factory or business had flushed stuff down that then reacted, and the authorities were trying to trace it back on a long weekend when many were shut.

However the following Sky report appears to believe it was an atmospheric and pollution ‘event’ that could happen again, I think.

“Mystery gas cloud on Sussex coast 'a meteorological phenomenon'

”A consultant toxicologist says the haze may have been generated from German or French traffic pollution and could reappear again.”

Very strange and even stranger that the authorities seem to be keeping very quiet about it

In what way are the authorities keeping quiet about it? They announced it to the media. They issued advice to those affected. They are trying to determine the cause. What more do you want them to do?