Chemical scare as fumes hit workers

Three workers from a Telford toy factory were taken to hospital after being overcome by fumes when they opened a shipping container.

Firefighters were called out to Golden Bear Products, in Hortonwood 40, to deal with the chemical incident, believed to involve potentially dangerous methyl bromide.

Appliances from Wellington and Tweedale fire stations were called at 1pm yesterday.

Two firefighters wore air-tight suits and breathing apparatus as they sealed the container. Their colleagues decontaminated them at the scene, which was made safe by 2pm.

Andy Joseph, sub-officer at Wellington Fire Station, said: “We believe the chemical was being used to fumigate the containers.”

Laura Taylor, Telford & Wrekin Council spokeswoman, said: “The environmental health department was notified that three Golden Bear employees had been exposed to methyl bromide after opening a 20ft shipping container delivered to the company.

“The employees were overcome by fumes and were taken to hospital where they were decontaminated and treated. The council will now work with the company to investigate how this incident occurred and to arrange for decontamination or disposal as necessary.”

Kellee Foulkes, marketing manager for Golden Bear said an investigation was under way.