Probe to be held after Grangemouth plant partially evacuated over gas leak
An investigation is to be held into a major incident at a petrochemical plant in Grangemouth.
The site, operated by Ineos, was partially evacuated after a leak on a pipe carrying ethylene gas prompted an emergency response at 12.15pm on Tuesday.
A spokesman for Ineos said: "We can confirm that there was an incident at our KG (Kinneil Gas) plant.
"Staff were evacuated from the immediate area and our well-practised emergency procedures were implemented, with the incident management team being mobilised.
"As a precautionary measure we asked Police Scotland to close the Wholeflats Road.
"Our on-site emergency response team and the emergency services are attending the incident.
"The incident was caused by a leak on a pipe carrying ethylene gas which has been identified and is being isolated.
"Measures were put in place to contain the leak in the immediate vicinity of the affected plant and as an ongoing precaution road closures remain in place.
"All of the people working in the area have been accounted for and there were no injuries.
"Other areas within the Grangemouth complex, including the adjacent refinery, were unaffected by the incident.
"A full investigation into the cause of the incident is under way.
"The regulators have been kept fully informed throughout."
The company said the leak was quickly isolated and road closures put in place.
All staff have since been accounted for and there were no injuries.
At its peak, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service sent eight vehicles to the scene to support the energy giant's on-site fire engines.
The ambulance service also sent a special operations response team.
Workers arriving at the plant for their shift were greeted by road closure signs.
They were turned away from gate five, where members of the media had gathered.
No-one was permitted to go any further inside the plant and police, who had blocked the road, turned away those who tried.
An emergency meeting was held on Tuesday in response to the incident.
Superintendent Brian Auld of Forth Valley Division said: "I would like to thank the local community of Grangemouth for their patience and co-operation while road closures are in place.
"Officers are working with industry staff to ensure business continuity at the Grangemouth site.
"We will continue to minimise disruption to the public and bring the matter to a timely conclusion."
