Buyers were evacuated from Sainsbury’s in Longbridge by ambulance called after unconfirmed reports of “people collapsing”. The store is currently closed and people are urged to avoid the area.
An ambulance in the West Midlands issued a statement saying six people had been treated on the spot for “mild respiratory symptoms”. West Midlands police also issued a statement.
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The force said: “We are currently working on an incident at Sainsbury’s in Longbridge Lane, Longbridge. We were alerted around 10 a.m. to reports that six people were suffering from breathing problems.
“Employees were present and the store was evacuated, and people are also being evacuated from other buildings in the area. The six patients were treated by paramedics at the scene. “
A cordon has been set. This is an ongoing incident. We will provide you with the updates as we receive them below.
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12:24 birminghammail.co.uk
South and City College was evacuated and students were sent home – reports
Just to sum up, just before 10 a.m. today, emergency services were notified of an incident at the Sainsbury supermarket on High Street, Longbridge.
Many people report feeling unwell with apparent difficulty breathing.
Two fire engines and 4×4 response crews from the Northfield and Kings Norton fire stations responded, along with a number of police officers and colleagues.
Seven people were treated and one was taken to hospital. There is a wide cordon around Sainsbury’s and surrounding shops.
Police cordon on the roads in Longbridge. (Image: Birmingham Live)
12:16 birminghammail.co.uk
Sainsbury in Longbridge evacuated – What we know so far
Seven people are being treated for breathing problems amid reports of “people collapsing” at Sainsbury’s store. Emergency services arrived at the scene in Longbridge after reports of several people suffering from respiratory problems.
The store was evacuated and people in nearby buildings were also told to leave. Warnings were issued to members of the public to avoid the area, and a 50-meter cordon was set up blocking the supermarket.
A police investigation has been launched to determine exactly why people became ill. Emergency services initially said six people were treated this morning, but it is estimated that seven people are already in the hands of paramedics. Here we have the full report.
12:10 birminghammail.co.uk
Seven people were treated on the spot, and one was taken to hospital – WMAS
Great response from Sainsbury’s emergency services in Longbridge. Not only fire drills continued, but also the evacuation of the buildings next to this building. I’m not sure what happened specifically #longbridge #evacuation #sainsburys pic.twitter.com/R50lxiuAvR
– Stephen Bridgewater (@ stebridgwater35) May 20, 2022
12:03 birminghammail.co.uk
Roads have been cut off as the college has been evacuated, they said
Another witness told BirminghamLive: “I saw a man on the floor in front of the college. He lay there, but he was responsive. I was wondering what the hell was going on?
“He was with two people. It’s crazy. I think the supermarket and the college have been evacuated. Some shops near Sainsbury’s, I think Gregs are closed too.”
11:59 birminghammail.co.uk
Statement from the West Midlands Fire Service – 50-meter cordon on site
A WMFS spokesman said: “Shortly before 10 a.m. on Friday, May 20, we were notified of an incident at the Sainsbury supermarket on High Street, Longbridge, Birmingham. A number of people reported feeling unwell, with apparent difficulty breathing.
“Two fire engines and one of our 4×4 response teams responded from the fire stations in Northfield and Kings Norton, along with a number of police officers and colleagues from the police and ambulance services.
“The store was evacuated before we arrived. A 50-meter cordon was placed around the store. Other premises within the cordon were also evacuated.”
11:55 birminghammail.co.uk
Eyewitnesses say there was a gas leak
All shops within the cordon appear to be closed, including a hair salon and a café in front of the main road.
A viewer told our reporter in Birmingham live: “Police said there was a gas leak. “There are police everywhere, you can’t enter. It’s all closed, so it looks pretty serious. “
Another said, “People were on the floor, out of breath.”
11:50 birminghammail.co.uk
Students have been told to leave South and City College, they said
Our local reporter told us that students from South and City College were told to leave their building. We will check this information for you.
The Premier Inn is also within a wide cordon that is set around Sainsbury’s.
11:46 birminghammail.co.uk
Emergency services on site in Longridge – seven people are ill from respiratory problems
Emergency services on site at Sainsbury’s in Longbridge. (Image: Tracy Kelly) Emergency services on site at Sainsbury’s in Longbridge. (Image: Tracy Kelly) Emergency services on site at Sainsbury’s in Longbridge. (Image: Birmingham Live)
11:38 birminghampost.co.uk
Video from the scene
Our reporter on the spot said he saw seven police cars, five ambulances and several fire trucks. Two detectives were spotted entering Sainsbury’s and told he had a group of victims.
11:31 birminghammail.co.uk
Emergency statement – seven people are in treatment
We will soon present you with photos and videos from the scene, but here is what the West Midlands Ambulance said:
“We are currently witnessing an incident at Sainsburys in Longbridge Lane, Longbridge after a call at 9:53 p.m. A number of ambulances and specialized resources are on site treating six patients who are feeling unwell with mild respiratory problems.
“The public is advised to avoid the area while emergency services deal with the incident.”
UPDATE: Seven people are currently being treated
11:27 birminghammail.co.uk
People suffering from shortness of breath
A West Midlands police spokeswoman said: “We are currently working on an incident at Sainsbury’s in Longbridge Lane, Longbridge. We were alerted around 10 a.m. to reports that six people were suffering from breathing problems.
“Employees arrived and the store was evacuated, and people are also being evacuated from other buildings in the area. The six patients were treated by on-site paramedics.
“We have specialists working with colleagues from the emergency services to find out exactly what happened. A cordon has been set up and we would advise people to stay away from the area.
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