Victoria Tube station evacuated over 'unusual smell' - 29 September 2010

[whole diary]

[Chris from Nailsea]

From the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page):

Eight people, including two passengers, have complained of headaches and nausea after an "unusual smell" was reported at Victoria Tube station in London.

London Fire Brigade, paramedics and British Transport Police were called to the station at 1318 BST.

A BBC correspondent at the scene said four of the eight who felt ill had taken themselves to hospital.

It is believed the smell was coming from a temporary ticket office. The Tube station has been closed.

Officers, who remain at the scene, were called after members of staff reported the "unusual smell".

Four people who reported feeling unwell are being treated at the scene.

The main line and bus stations are open. Tube trains are passing through the station but not stopping there.

Ambi Sitham was caught up in the chaos. She said: "I was just outside the Tube station when I saw police, ambulances and fire engines. The entrance was cordoned off. There were loads of people confused, nobody knew what to do. It's a busy station so lots of people were there."

Ms Sitham continued: "They had evacuated shops in the area. I felt terrified. I am still feeling very shaken. The smell was funny and chemical."

A statement from London Ambulance Service said: "Three ambulance crews, a duty officer and a hazardous area response team were dispatched. Staff are currently treating four patients."

A statement from British Transport Police said: "Officers were called to a London Underground ticket office at Victoria rail station... after staff reported an unusual smell. Paramedics from the London Ambulance Service are also on scene after a number of members of staff reported feeling unwell."

A Transport for London spokesman said: "Staff in the temporary London Underground ticket office at street level just outside Victoria national rail station reported a strange smell. As a precaution Victoria Underground station was closed and all the emergency services were called. Four members of staff felt unwell but were not taken to hospital. The smell is still being investigated."

[johoare]

Apparently it's open again now although the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page) hasn't updated their site to say this.. The mainline station closed for a while too..

[Electric train]

I cam back through Victoria this afternoon at about 14:10 we were held outside the station for a few mins but only a little more than is usual for Vic. The Tube station was roped off loads of plod fire ambulance LUL^▸ (London Underground Ltd) NR^» (Network Rail - home page) staff wandering around, I walked to the back of Buck House planning to hoof it to Padd via Hyde Park but a 32 bus came along so used that