Key Highlights
- Staffordshire Police, fire and ambulance crews were called to Biddulph High School on Monday afternoon.
- Five people were rushed to hospital after a chemical spill at the school.
- The incident involved multiple emergency services including police, paramedics, and firefighters.
- A man died following a medical emergency at a McDonald’s restaurant in Stafford last night.
Emergency Response at Biddulph High School: Chemical Spill Triggers Hospitalization of Five Individuals
On Monday afternoon, the emergency services were called to Biddulph High School off Conway Road in Biddulph, Staffordshire. The incident involved a chemical spill that led to the hospitalization of five individuals.
Response from Emergency Services
Staffordshire Police reported that they received an alert at 10:35 am on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, concerning a chemical spill. The police stated, “Three appliances attended the scene alongside colleagues from Staffordshire Police and West Midlands Ambulance Service. The chemical was isolated, and the building was ventilated.” Subsequently, five individuals were taken to hospital by paramedics for precautionary checks.
Details of Patients
The West Midlands Ambulance Service provided further details on the patients: “Crews arrived to find six patients requiring assessment after being exposed to a chemical substance. A man, a woman and three teenagers were treated on scene before being conveyed to Royal Stoke University Hospital for further precautionary checks. The sixth patient was discharged on scene.”
Investigation and Clean-Up
The investigation into the incident is ongoing as emergency services have now left the scene. Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed their involvement in the clean-up operation but did not provide additional details.
Multifaceted Emergency: Medical Crisis at McDonald’s Restaurant
While the school emergency was unfolding, a separate medical crisis occurred at a McDonald’s restaurant in Stafford. At approximately 6:20 pm on November 17, 2025, emergency services were called to reports of a medical emergency at the branch located off Eccleshall Road.
Response from Emergency Services
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesperson described the situation as follows: “We were called to reports of a medical emergency. Crews arrived to find a man in critical condition and administered advanced life support.” Despite their efforts, the ambulance service confirmed that nothing could be done to save the individual, who was later pronounced dead at the scene.
Community Impact
The incident led to chaos as customers were turned away from the restaurant. Some witnesses reported seeing police cars and ambulances on site, with staff visibly upset. One customer noted, “Something has happened at McDonald’s in Stafford.
There’s at least 10 police cars and two ambulances. The windows have been taped up and there’s no entry.” Another added, “We went to use the drive-thru which was shut, so had to turn around on the car park.”
The dual emergencies highlight the unpredictable nature of emergency response in a densely populated area, impacting both educational institutions and local businesses. As investigations continue into both incidents, authorities are working to provide clarity and support to affected individuals.
