A chemical spill creating toxic chlorine gas forced the evacuation of buildings in Queenstown earlier today.
Emergency services have lifted the 300 metre cordon around a commercial laundry in Glenda Drive, Frankton after ventilating the building.
The incident happened after two chemicals were accidentally mixed at the laundry. The laundry and neighbouring buildings were evacuated but are now allowed back in, deputy chief fire officer Andrew Barry says.
Firefighters with breathing apparratus and protective equipment ventilated the building and stabilised the container holding the chemicals. There is no trace of chlorine gas left.
Monitoring equipment was flown from Dunedin and helped the Fire Service in confirming chlorine gas levels in the building.
A firefighter being decontaminated after working in the laundry (Supplied)
St John confirmed one man was taken to Lakes District Hospital as a precaution.
A command vehicle and additional appliance from Invercargill arrived to help and provide extra cover in the Queenstown and Frankton areas.
Updates on any changes to the cordon and traffic will be posted on the Queenstown Lakes District Council website www.qldc.govt.nz, on Twitter @QueenstownLakes and QLDC Facebook page, as well as on local radio stations More FM and The Hits
Newshub.
