Major incident declared in UK after canal cyanide spill

A major incident has been declared in the UK after a toxic chemical spill in a canal in Walsall, Report informs referring to BBC.

The public have been warned to avoid a 12-mile stretch of the canal network and towpaths running from the heart of the borough to neighboring Birmingham, but taking in interconnected waterways across Wednesbury, Tipton and West Bromwich.

Walsall Council leader Garry Perry confirmed the substance to be sodium cyanide, which can cause seizures, vomiting and loss of consciousness.

He said: "We understand [the public's] alarm - of course, we want to do all we can to take the right precautionary measures to protect individuals."

Sodium cyanide dissolves in water and can have serious adverse health effects for those who come into direct physical contact with it, posing potential risks to both people and their pets, the council has advised.

Dozens of dead fish can be seen in part of the canal.