Discovery centre evacuated

DOZENS of employees at the Discovery Health Centre in the Coega industrial development zone had to evacuate the building yesterday after a gas leak was reported.

Port Elizabeth emergency services rushed to the scene in the afternoon when employees were instructed to evacuate a section of the building.

At least two ambulances and a number of medics were on the scene.

Discovery Health’s service executive Hennie van Staden said: “We confirmed it was a non-toxic gas that is not harmful but could cause mild irritation on direct contact.” Seven employees were taken to hospital.

“They have all been checked and discharged,” Van Staden said.

A similar incident occurred in November when about 800 people had to evacuate the entire centre after a suspected gas leak from the building’s air-conditioning system.

At least 43 people were taken to hospital and treated at that time.

But yesterday most employees seemed unperturbed, sitting in shaded areas outside, while emergency services were busy inside.

Discovery Health official Thulaganyo Mthombeni said the evacuation was a precautionary measure.