UK Major Incident After Cyanide Spill

Authorities declared a major incident on Wednesday after a sodium cyanide spill in a canal in the West Midlands was identified as a significant public health hazard.

Following the toxic spill, which reportedly occurred on Monday, the public has been urged to avoid a 12-mile section of canals and towpaths, particularly around the Walsall area.

The primary concern is for people and pets that might come into direct contact with the contaminated canal water. According to the UK Health Security Agency, exposure to sodium cyanide can lead to symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, confusion, changes in heart rate, drowsiness, seizures, vomiting, low blood pressure, and even loss of consciousness.

Sodium cyanide, described by the agency as “white, crystal-like solids with a faint almond odor,” is commonly used in industrial processes including metal cleaning, plating, extraction, and photography.

On 12 August, Walsall Council was informed about the spill in a canal at Pleck, spanning over a mile from Spinks Bridge to Birchills Street Bridge.

Walsall Council Leader Garry Perry emphasized that the safety of the community is the top priority.

“I share their concerns and hope to see this incident resolved as soon as possible,” he said. “We are working closely with our partners to manage this situation, which has been declared a major incident. For your own safety please avoid this area of the canal and its towpaths.”

Perry described the situation as “a very active and ongoing investigation.”

He added, “Anything like this is serious – particularly where the potential risk to health and safety of animals and humans is always going to cause alarm.”

Perry mentioned that while an investigation into the cause of the spill will be conducted, it is too early to draw any conclusions.

The council also shared a map highlighting the canals that should be avoided by the public, including waterways from Walsall lock flight to lock flights at Rushall, Ryders Green, and Perry Barr.

Those who have been in contact with the canal water and feel unwell are advised to seek medical advice by calling 111 or, in urgent cases, 999.

The council has also warned against consuming any fish caught from the affected canal. However, drinking water is not impacted.

The incident is being treated as a major emergency, involving multiple agencies such as the police, fire service, ambulance service, local councils, the Environment Agency, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Severn Trent Water, and the Canal and Rivers Trust.

The Environment Agency has initiated a sampling and testing program to help reduce the affected area as quickly as possible, according to authorities.

Further updates on the situation were anticipated later on Wednesday.

Image credit: Express & Star