Pacific Werribee: Shoppers evacuated after chemical leak at dry cleaners

Parts of a Werribee shopping centre have been closed after a chemical spill saw a woman rushed to hospital.

Shoppers were evacuated as emergency services closed part of the Pacific Werribee shopping centre on Monday after a chemical spill at a dry cleaners saw a woman taken to hospital.

Emergency services were called to the Heaths Rd address in Hoppers Crossing about 11.40am after a triple-0 caller reported a “strong smell”.

A Fire Rescue Victoria spokeswoman said firefighters arrived at the scene within five minutes to find a chemical leak had caused a reaction within the store.

“Wearing breathing apparatus and hazmat equipment, firefighters are working to contain the leak and will remain on scene to safely ventilate the premises,” she said.

“Patrons within the premises were evacuated as a precaution.”

Visitors to the centre said alarms came on shortly before midday requesting shoppers within Pacific Werribee evacuate to the car park outside.

“It was crazy at first, they weren't telling us what had happened,” on woman said.

A thoroughfare on the north side of the centre remained closed as more than 16 firefighters attend to the hazmat incident.

Pacific Werribee management have confirmed the centre remains open but said an entrance had been closed by emergency services due to possible exposure.

Employees at an adjacent business described the emergency response as “shocking”, saying they saw multiple fire trucks and police cars attend the centre within minutes.

“It was kinda crazy to watch,” one man said. “The girls inside rushed out and were coughing. Now the roads closed and there’s a lot going on.”

An Ambulance Victoria spokeswoman said three people were assessed at the scene and one was taken to Werribee Mercy Hospital in a stable condition.

The situation was declared under control at 3.15pm and the closed areas were reopened to the public.

Pacific Werribee General Manager, Ryan Ling, said the incident occurred within a external tenancy and, at the request of emergency serivces, part of the centre was evacuated.

“The safety, health and well-being of our entire community is always our overriding priority, and our thoughts are with the people involved in this incident,” he said.