At least five people have been taken to hospital following a "hazardous substance incident" at a childcare facility in Christchurch this afternoon.
Emergency services responded to the incident at the Kindercare Learning Centre on Ferry Rd in the suburb of Woolston at around 1.13pm on Friday.
A parent told 1News she had been told a chemical was accidentally put on a slide at the centre.
Hato Hone St John said it responded with 18 emergency vehicles, including nine ambulances, three rapid response units, five operations managers and one major incident support vehicle.
"Our crews are treating multiple patients, one of whom has been transported to Christchurch Hospital in a serious condition, and four transported to Christchurch Hospital in a moderate condition," a spokesperson said, adding that "dozens" of people were being assessed.
Fire and Emergency NZ told 1News it was assisting St John with three trucks.
Roads have been closed surrounding the Kindercare Learning Centre on Ferry Rd in the suburb of Woolston. (Source: 1News)
The fire service also provided an incident support vehicle.
Police said they were assisting emergency services.
A grandparent picking up their grandson from the centre told 1News his first instinct was to rush over after hearing about the emergency.
"I was just concerned about him and I said to my son that I would come and grab him. I only live across the road and have just finished work."
Mother Nikita Wagstaff said her daughter suffered a small burn to her hand during the incident.
"It’s only little, and that could be considered a blister," she said.
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