Mass evacuation after chemical incident at major London hospital: Firefighters rush to scene as 150 patients and medical staff told to leave

A major London hospital has been forced to evacuate patients and staff after a chemical incident.

Firefighters rushed to St Guy’s and Thomas’ Hospital in central London this morning after the London Fire Brigade received a call at 8.49am.

Some 150 people were evacuated from the basement and ground floor levels by firefighters and hospital staff.

Social media footage shows a man on crutches and an elderly woman being guided out of the building, whilst images show crowds of people on Stainer Street outside the hospital.

Hospital workers can be seen standing around talking next to an ambulance as firefighters head in to tackle the issue.

London Fire Brigade crews from Whitechapel, Dowgate, Euston and surrounding fire stations were sent to the scene.

Firefighters are working to ventilate the building with two fire engines, two Fire Rescue Units, a Command Unit and specialist hazardous materials officers in attendance. 

The main entrance has been cordoned off with yellow tape with emergency service workers huddled around an ambulance.

An eyewitness told the Express she saw someone who appeared to be ‘covered with wet towels/blankets’.

She also said she saw ‘several’ fire engines and ambulances ‘parked outside the Shard exit of London Bridge Station’ at about 9.45am. 

Pictured: Patients, medical staff and visitors seen outside Guy’s Hospital on Stainer Street near London Bridge station

The London Fire Brigade was first called about the incident at 8.49am, with crews from Whitechapel, Dowgate, Euston and surrounding fire stations sent to the scene

Road maps show a road closure currently in place on Weston Street which runs parallel to Guy’s Hospital.

A statement from the London Fire Brigade reads:  ‘Firefighters are responding to reports of chemical incident at Guys Hospital.

‘Two fire engines, two Fire Rescue Units, a Command Unit and specialist hazardous materials officers have been sent to the scene. Crews are carrying out operations to ventilate the building.

‘Patients, visitors and staff have been evacuated from the basement and ground floor levels of the hospital by firefighters.

‘The Brigade was first called about the incident at 0849, with crews from Whitechapel, Dowgate, Euston and surrounding fire stations have been sent to the scene.’

Daily Mail has approached the London Ambulance Service for comment. 

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.