Man 'exposed to chemical' dies on street after collapsing as hazmat team descend

The victim, who has not yet been identified, was found deceased at a property in Billinge, St Helens just after fire crews were called to investigate a chemical spill just after 10am this morning

A man has died after being exposed to a suspected chemical spill in St Helens.

The victim was found dead at the scene of an incident being investigated by emergency services in Billinge, St Helens earlier today. A large emegency responde, including police cars, fire engines and an air ambulance were on site after the alarm was raised at around 10.17am.

A local resident witnessed seeing a man receiving CPR next to a works van on the street shortly before being airlifted to hospital, according to the ECHO. Officers clad in hazmat suits, who were from the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) - which provides support on chemical incidents, hazardous materials and confined spaces - were part of the response.

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.

“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 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.

Short-term exposure can irritate your eyes, noses and throats and affect your brain. Long-term exposure can lead to headaches, dizziness and heart problems.

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.

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.”