Alton Towers conference centre evacuated as worker reports 'unusual smell'

03 January 2023 , 16:17

1308     0

A "incident" was reported at an Alton Towers conference centre in the early hours of this morning (file photo) (Image: Bloomberg via Getty Images)

An Alton Towers conference centre was evacuated over fears of a "chemical leak" in the early hours of this morning.

Emergency crews raced to the scene at around 12.45am after an employee reported an unusual smell in a kitchen at the conference centre.

The fire service, an ambulance, two paramedic officers and a hazardous area response team were sent to the theme park near Alton, Staffordshire.

Crews recorded "no readings of any concern" and guests were later told that it was safe for them to re-enter, said Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Two people were checked over and discharged at the scene, added an ambulance spokesperson.

Alton Towers hotel stay from £42pp with waterpark & brekkie- but there's a catch

Two people were checked over and discharged at the scene, said an ambulance spokesperson (file photo) (AFP via Getty Images)

A fire service spokesman told Stoke-on-Trent Live: "We were called to the Alton Towers Resort following reports of a suspected chemical-related incident within an employee-only kitchen area.

"Crews from Cheadle, Ipstones and Longton attended and carried out an assessment, with specialist equipment, which recorded no readings of any concern.

"Two people were assessed by West Midlands Ambulance Service and discharged at the scene. Guests were temporarily evacuated as a precautionary measure.

"Crews later confirmed it was safe for the public to re-enter and advice was given to staff."

An employee reported an unusual smell in a kitchen at the conference centre (file photo of theme park) (PA)

An ambulance service spokesman added: “We were called to reports of a possible chemical incident within an employee-only kitchen area.

"Two patients were assessed by ambulance staff and received self-care advice before being discharged at the scene."

Guests continued to be fed and watered during the evacuation.

An Alton Towers Resort spokesperson said: “Guests attending an event in our Conference Centre were temporarily evacuated to the Alton Towers Hotel whilst the emergency services investigated reports of an unusual smell in a staff kitchen area nearby.

"The all-clear was given shortly afterwards."

Rob Andrews