Canal water being tested for cyanide after chemical spill in West Midlands 'kills dozens of fish'

14 August 2024, 06:43 | Updated: 14 August 2024, 07:00

People are being urged to avoid a 12-mile stretch of the canal network
People are being urged to avoid a 12-mile stretch of the canal network. Picture: Alamy/Walsall Council

By Kit Heren

Water in a West Midlands canal is being tested for sodium cyanide and other toxic substances after a chemical spill, with people urged to stay away.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Walsall Council said it had been told by the Environment Agency of the spillage, and that the experts were investigating.

It declared a 'major incident' with West Midlands Police and Fire services, the Canal and Rivers Trust, Severn Trent Water, Walsall and Sandwell councils and the Environment Agency all responding.

The council said that that anyone who has had direct physical contact with the water in the stretch of canal affected is at risk of serious health issues. Images from the scene showed dozens of dead fish in the water.

Health authorities says sodium cyanide is a "white crystal like solids with a faint almond colour" that is used for metal cleaning, plating, extraction and photography.

Exposure to the chemical can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, confusion, changes in heart rate and loss of consciousness, according to the agency.

Read more: Three of England's biggest water firms face massive £168million fine over sewage spills

Read more: Five people fall ill every day after swimming in Britain's polluted waters, as Feargal Sharkey reveals brush with death

People are being told to avoid a 12-mile stretch of the canal network
People are being told to avoid a 12-mile stretch of the canal network. Picture: Walsall Council

Ingesting cyanide salts, which can dissolve in water, releases cyanide into the body, the agency's website states.

Walsall Council are asking the public to avoid an extended area of the canal and towpaths from the Walsall lock flight to the lock flights at Rushall, Ryders Green and Perry Barr as a precautionary measure.

In a statement, the council said they were notified of a spillage in Pleck by the Environment Agency on August 12 that had gone directly into the canal.

Anyone exposed to the canal water in the impacted area and feeling unwell has been advised to seek health advice through calling 111 or, in an emergency, 999.

The council added that anyone who has taken any fish from the canal should not eat them while drinking water will not be affected by the incident.

Aerial view of the canal
Aerial view of the canal. Picture: Alamy

Councillor Garry Perry, leader of Walsall Council, said: "Our priority is the safety of our residents.

"I share their concerns and hope to see this incident resolved as soon as possible.

"We are working closely with our partners to manage this situation which has been declared a major incident.

"For your own safety please avoid this area of the canal and its towpaths."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Hilkiah McLeggan, 77, from Southwark, was pronounced dead at the scene in East Street, Walworth.

First picture of Walworth market 'knife rampage' victim as suspect appears in court

Breaking
Police at Gainsborough Care Home in Swanage where three people died and seven people were taken to hospital

Woman arrested over Dorset care home deaths released without charge

Donald Trump with Matt Gaetz

Trump's pick for US attorney-general faced sex-trafficking investigation by department he's now set to lead

The King is celebrating his 76th birthday

William and Kate 'wish very Happy Birthday to His Majesty The King!' as Charles celebrates turning 76

The mother said her daughter was threatened with detention for wearing a poppy to school

Mother's fury after daughter 'threatened with detention for wearing poppy to school'

Which? has launched a £3billion suit against Apple.

Which? launches £3 billion lawsuit against Apple over iCloud use - as 40 million Brits could receive payout

David Coote

Referees body 'taking very seriously' video appearing to show David Coote snorting white powder

Police have released this CCTV image of a man they want to trace

Police hunt man who ‘bit woman on chest’ in London nightclub

Despite backlash, The Yellow Bittern has been a hit amongst critics.

London chef takes to Instagram to complain diners are not ordering enough and ‘restaurants are not public benches’

A female pharmacist at work in a pharmacy in South Wales

Pharmacies could close on evenings and weekends as owners protest over funding

Exclusive
UK prisoners could be sent to Poland after new talks.

Polish inmates languishing in UK jails face being sent back home in bid to free up prison space

John Lewis Christmas advert 2024.

WATCH: John Lewis unveils emotional Christmas advert in latest festive tearjerker

TOPSHOT-PALESTINIAN-ISRAEL-CONFLICT-DISPLACED

Ukraine-style visa scheme for Gaza families proposed by Labour MP

President Joe Biden meets with President-elect Donald Trump in the Oval Office

Donald Trump names ‘reckless’ Matt Gaetz attorney general as president-elect holds historic meeting with Joe Biden

Royal Courts of Justice

'Wolfman' murderer Peter Sullivan to have conviction re-examined after 35 years behind bars

King Charles III attends "Gladiator II" The Royal Film Performance and Global Premiere at Leicester Square

King Charles to open two new food hubs as he celebrates 76th birthday