Hazmat unit called to mercury spill

A specialist hazardous materials unit was called to deal with a mercury spill on a rural property near Alexandra last night.

Southern fire communications centre shift manager Tim Reynolds said nobody was injured, although one person underwent a medical check as a precaution.

No-one was evacuated from the Waldron Rd property where the spill occurred or from surrounding properties.

''It's been contained and there's no risk to the general public,'' Mr Reynolds said.

He had no idea why mercury would be at the property.

The Fire Service's hazardous materials unit from Dunedin and firefighters were still at the property late last night, he said.

A health protection officer was also on site.

The spill was within a building and he believed ''it was not a huge amount''.

The Alexandra Volunteer Fire Brigade was called about 4.30pm.

''We're going through the process of stabilising and securing the scene and the hazmat unit is working on the recovery and disposal of the chemical ... ,'' Alexandra Deputy Chief Fire Officer Mark Hutton said.

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