Firms were today counting the cost after 500 litres of hydrochloric acid spilled from a lorry which resulted in the road being closed for more than five hours while fire crews tackled the clean-up.

It is believed a container carrying the liquid was pierced while it was unloaded by a forklift on the forecourt of Aluminium Finishing Company Ltd, in Queen Street, Walsall.

Some neighbouring businesses were evacuated as a clean-up swung into operation in the normally bustling street in Premier Business Park.

Firefighters along with a specialist hazardous unit were sent to the scene. Drains were covered and 18 firefighters in breathing gear and chemical protection suits attempted to seal the spillage.

The lorry driver was taken to Manor Hospital nearby as a precaution, while a recovery vehicle driver based at E&S Motors Ltd was also taken to the hospital to be checked after he complained a headache. He was later discharged from hospital.

E&S Motors insurance administrator Karen Nash said: “It’s been a nightmare. Part of the site was evacuated. We were forced to cancel a lot of jobs because of the difficulties getting rescue vehicles out. This could potentially cost us thousands of pounds.”

James Gardner, director of utility goods manufacturer Tool Marque, said: “It’s not affected us as much as the other businesses because we don’t rely on passing trade.”

Queen Street was open by 4.25pm.