Christchurch chemical incident leaves one critical, two hospitalized as building evacuated

A Christchurch chemical incident has left one person in critical condition and two others hospitalized after emergency crews responded to commercial premises in Sydenham on Thursday afternoon.

Emergency services were called to the property on Coleridge Street at about 3:50 p.m. following reports of a chemical exposure.

Three people were treated at the scene before being transported to Christchurch Hospital.

One patient was reported to be in critical condition, while two others were in moderate condition.

Building evacuated as crews decontaminate site

Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews evacuated the building and began decontamination operations at the property.

Two ambulances, a rapid response unit and an operations manager were among the emergency resources dispatched to the scene.

Police were also at the location managing traffic while emergency crews continued their response.

The cause and nature of the chemical involved were not immediately confirmed.

The incident remains under investigation.