Emergency services descended on the street this morning and closed off the road as they investigated a chemical spill. Police cars, fire engines and an air ambulance arrived on Douglas Avenue in Billinge, in St Helens, this morning (September 28). Fire crews were alerted at 10.17am and on scene at 10.26, with two fire engines present. A person living nearby told the ECHO that a man was receiving CPR next to a works van on the street. He claimed people in hazmat suits from The Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) were also on Douglas Avenue. HART provides support in challenging environments such as chemical incidents, hazardous materials and confined spaces.
The man, who did not wish to be named, told the ECHO early this afternoon: “At about 10.15 am, we were coming down there from the East Lancs Road. They were giving CPR to a man. There were about four or five of their (HART) vans. They sit their kit out on the road. There were about four or five detectives too.
A spokesperson for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said fire fighters helped paramedics from the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) at the scene, involving one casualty affected by exposure to Xylene at a semi-detached brick built property. Xylene has various uses, including as a cleaning agent and a thinner for paint and varnishes.
The man, in his 50s, was pronounced dead at the scene. Another individual that was at the property was also examined by NWAS. It was found that the person had not been exposed.
A multi-agency meeting took place and a plan was created to examine a works van outside the premises for possible chemical spill. The van was examined and deemed safe shortly after. Crews made up their equipment, before completing an external handover with Merseyside Police, then left the scene at 12.45.
“At around 10.20am, officers were called to Douglas Avenue to reports that a man in his 50s had suffered a cardiac arrest. Paramedics attended and he was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene. The man’s death is not being treated as suspicious and his next of kin have been informed.”
Xylene Exposure and its Consequences
Xylene is a colorless, sweet-smelling, flammable liquid that is used as a solvent and degreasing agent in many industries. The chemical is used in the printing, rubber, and leather industries as a solvent, and as a thinner for paint and varnishes. It is also used as a cleaning agent and in pesticide products. Xylene can be absorbed through the skin and respiratory tract. Exposure can cause a range of health issues.
Short-term Exposure
Short-term exposure to Xylene can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, and affect brain function. In more severe cases, it can also lead to gastrointestinal effects and neurological effects.
Long-term Exposure
Long-term exposure to Xylene can result in headaches, dizziness, fatigue, tremors, incoordination, respiratory, cardiovascular, and kidney effects. To avoid occupational health issues, it is recommended to use impervious gloves and masks, along with respirators where appropriate.
Emergency Response and Investigations
Emergency services responded to calls from Douglas Avenue in Billinge, near Wigan, on Saturday morning. Paramedics performed CPR on a man in his 50s before he was pronounced dead in the street. Responders in hazmat suits from The Hazardous Area Response Team were also on the scene along with several detectives. An air ambulance arrived just before 10am and left around two hours later. A spokesperson for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they also attended to assist the North West Ambulance Service. It was determined the man died after being exposed to the chemical Xylene.
The emergency response teams investigated a works van outside a property for a potential chemical spill. The vehicle was ruled as safe shortly after. A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "We can confirm that emergency services attended a report of concern for the safety of a man in Billinge this morning (Saturday 28 September)."
"At around 10.20am, officers were called to Douglas Avenue to reports that a man in his 50s had suffered a cardiac arrest. Paramedics attended and he was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene. The man's death is not being treated as suspicious and his next of kin have been informed."
A Tragic Incident
A man was found dead amidst a chemical spill scare as hazmat teams descended upon Douglas Avenue in Billinge, St Helens, early this morning (September 28). Firefighters were called to the scene at 10.17am and arrived just nine minutes later, with two engines attending the incident. A local resident described the harrowing scene, revealing that a man was seen receiving CPR beside a works van before being whisked away by helicopter.
The eyewitness reported that specialists in hazmat suits from The Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) were also present, dealing with the potential dangers of the situation. HART is known for its expertise in handling complex scenarios such as chemical spills and confined space incidents. Speaking to the ECHO, the unnamed man recounted: "At about 10.15 am, we were coming down there from the East Lancs Road. They were giving CPR to a man. There were about four or five of their (HART) vans. They sit their kit out on the road. There were about four or five detectives too."
He continued, detailing the community's reaction: "Everyone is out on the street. There's lots of heavy sirens and lights going around. Pretty much the whole street is closed from top to bottom." "The air ambulance got here just before 9.45am I think and took off at 11.41am. Once the air ambulance had lifted, it did dial back but it's an ongoing incident."
A representative for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that firefighters assisted paramedics from the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) at a semi-detached property, where one individual had been exposed to Xylene. This chemical is commonly used as a cleaning agent and paint thinner. Tragically, a man in his 50s was pronounced dead at the scene. Another person present at the property was examined by NWAS but was found not to have been exposed to the chemical.
Following the incident, a multi-agency meeting was held and a plan was put into action to inspect a works van parked outside the premises for potential chemical spillage. The van was quickly deemed safe. Crews handed over to Merseyside Police and left the scene at 12.45pm. A spokesperson for Merseyside Police stated: "We can confirm that emergency services attended a report of concern for the safety of a man in Billinge this morning (Saturday 28 September)."
"At around 10.20am, officers were called to Douglas Avenue to reports that a man in his 50s had suffered a cardiac arrest. Paramedics attended and he was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene. The man's death is not being treated as suspicious and his next of kin have been informed."
