Person stable after chemical fumes overcome three firefighters rescue at Christchurch workplace

What happened

Firefighters rescued three people affected by chemical fumes at Solvent Rescue, a solvent recycling business on Coleridge Street in Sydenham, Christchurch, on Thursday afternoon. One person was unconscious at the scene and was taken to hospital in critical condition but is now stable. Two others were in moderate condition. Fire and Emergency NZ assistant district commander Michael Balmer said crews arrived to find a liquid chemical product that gave off vapours had affected the individual, who collapsed inside the building. Firefighters had to force their way into the commercial property to rescue two people. Once on-site, crews quickly moved the affected person to fresh air and isolated the chemical systems to prevent further risk. Eight fire engines and five crews from Christchurch City, Spreydon, Woolston, Wigram and Ilam stations responded, along with command and hazardous materials units. The scene was handed back to the business on Friday at about 7pm. Nearby businesses were evacuated and told to keep doors and windows shut during the incident.

Key facts

• Incident at Solvent Rescue on Coleridge Street, Sydenham, Christchurch on Thursday afternoon about 3.22pm
• One person taken to hospital in critical condition, now stable; two others in moderate condition
• Five fire crews from five Christchurch stations responded, with eight fire engines total
• Firefighters had to force entry to rescue two people from the building

Covered byRNZOtago Daily TimesNot covered byStuffNZ Herald1NewsNewstalk ZBNewsroomThe SpinoffBusinessDeskinterest.co.nz

Coverage across the news outlets we track, as at publication.

Where the outlets differ

RNZ reports seven crews attended; Otago Daily Times says eight fire engines with five crews named. ODT provides more detail on the business's operations and environmental mission.

What outlets are saying