‘Large chemical reaction’ sparks major incident at pharmaceutical factory

At least ten fire crews have attended a pharmaceutical factory in Swindon today, after a ‘large chemical reaction’ sparked an alert.

A number of Wiltshire Police officers were at the scene, where they placed a cordon around the entrance to the Catalent building on Blagrove Industrial Estate at around 5pm.

Four fire officers, an Environmental Protection Unit from Gloucestershire and around ten fire engines were called to what the fire service say was an ‘hazardous material incident’.

At least one person has been taken to hospital, suffering from breathing issues.

Around one hundred staff were seen outside the factory as the fire service carried out their investigation.

Staff arriving at the factory for their night shift at being turned away by the management team on the gate.