Dozens injured in chemical spill in Polokwane

ER24 paramedics said they, along with provincial services, arrived on the scene after receiving reports of a number of patients experiencing breathing difficulties.

"Upon arrival, paramedics found a number of people grouped at an evacuation point near the building," ER24 spokesperson Russel Meiring said.

Meiring said 25 people had inhaled toxic fumes from the chemical spill and were treated for their injuries before being transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment.

"It is understood that a container of Formaldehyde had apparently leaked during the evening, causing the incident," Meiring said.

Hazardous Material Teams as well as fire services were on scene to contain the incident as well as for further investigations.