Horror as man falls into acid

A worker was rushed to hospital after falling 20ft into hydrochloric acid at a Black Country factory.

The man, who is in his 30s, fell from a gantry at Joseph Ash Galvanising in Springvale Avenue, Bilston, just after 11pm yesterday.

He landed in acid that had apparently leaked from a vat.

The worker, who has not been named, took off his clothing and had a shower to stop his skin from burning.

Paramedics were called and took the man away to New Cross Hospital to treat him for burns and bruising.

A fire crew from Bilston were also called to attend to prevent the acid from spreading.

Spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Murray MacGregor said: "At first it looked like this was going to be a very serious incident but luckily it was not as bad as first thought."

The quick response of the injured man's colleagues prevented the injuries from being much worse, he said.

The machine operator was treated by doctors at the Wednesfield hospital and was released earlier this morning.

Fred Haycock, divisional manager at Joseph Ash, said: "It would appear one of our workers did fall through the floor.

"We are currently investigating how this happened and will be in touch with the Health and Safety Executive.

"The lad is out of hospital now and we are making contact with him."