SHANNON:Seven people were treated in hospital for breathing difficulties, while a large part of an industrial estate had to be evacuated following a chemical spill last night.
The incident was reported shortly before 5pm at Chemifloc Ltd, a chemical manufacturing plant at Smithstown in Shannon. Company staff quickly evacuated the plant while the emergency services were alerted.
A significant amount of chlorine was spilled in one section of the plant, sending a vapour cloud into the air while also filling the building.
Clare fire service issued warnings on local radio to motorists as the vapour cloud spread.