Mystery liquid sparks chemical scare

Dec 16 2010 by Bryan Brough, Paisley Daily Express

A LORRY driver was facing charges yesterday after sparking fears of a dangerous chemical spillage at a large Paisley retail park.

A container of liquid fell off the back of a lorry and burst open when it hit the ground.

That led to litres of the liquid spilling on to Washington Road at the entrance to Abbotsinch Retail Park.

Minutes later police and firefighters launched a full scale alert and cordoned off Washington Road for nearly four hours.

They called Strathclyde Fire and Rescue’s Technical Support Unit as well as their specialist chemist to examine the spilled liquid.

The emergency happened shortly after 9pm on Tuesday when a member of the public reported a leaking container lying on Washington Road.

A man, who lives across road in Gallowhill, said: “There were police and fire crews at the road junction with Renfrew Road.

“Washington Road was closed off and the main road was reduced to a single lane.

“I later heard there had been a chemical spillage and feared the leaking liquid might be dangerous.

“I saw people with the emergency services taking samples of the liquid.

“I think Washington Road was closed for about four hours, reopening around 1am.”

Later, a fire spokesman said the spillage was not a hazardous liquid.

He added: “It’s still not clear what it was but all I know is it wasn’t dangerous in any way.

“We had to follow procedures until the all clear was given.”

The driver of the lorry, which the container fell off, returned to the scene a few hours later.

Police quizzed him and he now faces charges including having an insecure load.