Drama as chemical tanker crashes in village

Jul 13 2009 by Paul Loraine, The Journal

HIGHLY flammable and corrosive chemicals spilled from a tanker when it overturned in the middle of a remote Northumberland village.

The tanker slid on its side through the tiny village of Cornhill-on-Tweed, ending up on a grassy verge, sending its potentially dangerous contents onto the surrounding land. Fire crews managed to stem the flow of the chemicals using absorbent pads after the accident, which happened just before 10pm on Saturday.

Kevin Kenny, manager of The Collingwood Arms hotel on Main Street in the village, last night told of the moment he, his staff and guests rushed to the aid of the tanker’s driver.

“It was full service in the hotel and we just heard this loud bang,” he said.

“It’s pretty amazing how everyone comes together in adversity. Everyone made their way over and the driver was trapped. We managed to get him out of his cabin and, because there was a hazardous substance, myself and my team then urged all the customers to keep away from it.

“We brought the driver into the hotel and we managed to clean him up before the emergency services arrived.

“The fire brigade arrived and told us to shut the doors and windows and everyone had to stay in the hotel until after midnight.”

A special recovery team worked through the night to move the vehicle and transfer what remained of its contents to another tanker.

Police said the A697 and A698 roads were closed until late yesterday morning to allow for the clean-up operation to take place.