Major emergency response at Montrose docks after several people fall ill

Police, firefighters in hazmat suits and specialist ambulance crews were at the scene.

By Lindsey Hamilton & Andrew Robson

November 6 2024, 12:20pm

Firefighters in hazmat suits at Montrose docks. Image: Kim Cessford/DC Thomson

Multiple emergency services were called to Montrose docks after several people fell unwell on Wednesday.

Police, firefighters in hazmat suits and specialist ambulance crews attended Rix Shipping on Meridian Street.

The alarm was raised at around 10am with emergency responders on the scene until around 2pm.

An investigation into the cause is under way.

Specialist emergency responders were called. Image: Kim Cessford/DC Thomson

Emergency services at the scene. Image: Kim Cessford/DC Thomson

One witness said: “There has been a huge emergency response in the area since around 10am.

“There have been sirens all morning with several police vehicles and fire engines involved.

“There are fire officers in hazmat suits at the incident but there has been no information about what is going on.

“However, it looks really serious.”

‘You can smell something in the area’

One resident, who did not want to be named, said: “It was just after 10am when I noticed something was happening towards the docks.

“At first we thought it was maybe a gas leak but no one has been around to tell us anything.

“I’d guess it was something chemical.

“There can’t be a wider threat or else they’d have said something.”

Firefighters donned hazmat suits. Image: Kim Cessford/DC Thomson

Roads were closed. Image: Kim Cessford/DC Thomson

Fire crews spent several hours at the scene. Image: Kim Cessford/DC Thomson

Another resident told The Courier: “I was down at the docks this morning when it all kicked off.

“Three fire engines descended on the area and we were told to leave due to a suspected gas leak.

“My friend who lives nearby said he spotted someone being hosed off.

“Nobody is too sure what’s happened but you can definitely smell something in the area.”

Investigation after several people fall unwell at Montrose docks

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 10.20am on Wednesday, we were called to attend a premises in the Meridian Street area of Montrose following a report of a number of people becoming unwell.

“Emergency services are currently in attendance dealing with the incident, however, there is no risk to the wider public.”

Three fire engines were called to the incident. Image: Kim Cessford/DC Thomson

Emergency services in white suits. Image: Andrew Robson/DC Thomson

A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “We got a call at 10am to attend an incident at Ferry Road in Montrose.

“We sent three appliances from Montrose, Brechin and Balmossie in Dundee.

“They are currently carrying out an investigation.

“We cannot provide any further details at this point as the investigation is ongoing.”

A spokesperson for Rix Shipping (Scotland) Ltd said: “We are aware of an incident that occurred on Wednesday at Ferry Road, Montrose, and we are currently investigating what took place.

“We are unable to comment further at this time.”