Billingham, England – A yellow smoke cloud was spotted above Billingham this afternoon, emanating from a factory in County Durham following reports of an industrial incident. The plume was seen rising from the closed Billingham Manufacturing Plant, triggering alarms and prompting residents to close windows and doors as a precaution.
Cleveland Police responded to the scene, issuing a statement regarding the small release of gas from the facility. Emergency services quickly arrived at the fertiliser company in Haverton Hill where the incident occurred. Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries, and the gas dissipated without any off-site implications.
The Cleveland Fire Brigade also confirmed their presence at the scene, with two fire engines from Stockton Fire Station responding to the industrial incident. They reassured the public that the gas released was swiftly dispersed, posing no risk to members of the community.
Descriptions of the Billingham Manufacturing Plant highlight its significance as one of the UK’s essential factories, particularly in agricultural terms. The plant’s closure in 2022 marked the end of its operations in manufacturing fertilisers.
Notably, this was not the first incident of its kind, as reports surfaced of a similar cloud hovering above the Billingham plant in 2018. Despite concerns raised by residents, authorities assured the public that there was no cause for alarm during that previous incident.
Residents in the area reported hearing alarms sound as the yellow smoke plume billowed into the air above the chemical plant. Concerns persisted as details emerged, with residents sharing images and footage of the industrial incident on social media platforms.
In response to the situation, Cleveland Police remained on the scene to monitor the aftermath of the incident and provide updates to the public. As investigations continued into the cause of the release of gas, residents awaited further details on the incident at the now-closed Billingham Manufacturing Plant.