Special Unit Deployed to Zilina Over Chemicals Leak

Zilina/Bratislava, 4 December (TASR) – A special chemicals unit was deployed to Zilina on Thursday following the leak of an unidentified substance, mayor of Zilina Peter Fiabane announced on the same day. Fiabane noted that initial measurements confirmed the presence of an organic substance that should not be life-threatening, although its exact nature remains unknown. As of early on Thursday morning, people in the centre of Zilina reported an unpleasant smell that led to evacuations and temporary closure of several streets. "After a crisis was declared, all crisis-management units were mobilised – the city and district crisis teams, as well as the national police, firefighters and municipal police," said Fiabane. According to the mayor, two people were admitted into hospital after feeling unwell following exposure to an unpleasant odour. The Emergency Medical Service Operations Centre confirmed for TASR that one person had been intoxicated by an unknown substance. Fiabane stated at a press briefing that the findings of a chemicals laboratory and members of the Firefighter and Rescue Corps were consistent in confirming the presence of unspecified organic substances in the sewer system and in the air. "The situation has stabilised and, after the area was ventilated, concentrations are decreasing. A state of emergency will remain in place until it is lifted when we assess that it is no longer necessary," said the mayor. Streets in the city centre that had been closed off due to the leak have reopened. People can return to their homes, and businesses and companies can reopen. "The city continues to monitor the situation and will provide further information after today's crisis team meeting," added city spokesperson Zuzana Ondrasova. Daniela Kockova, spokesperson for Zilina region police, reported that the case has been taken over by the National Centre for Special Crimes of the Police Force Presidium. A natural gas leak in Zilina has been ruled out by gas utility SPP–Distribution. mf/df