A WOMAN was rushed to Perth Royal Infirmary yesterday after inhaling potentially lethal chemicals.

It is believed highly toxic fumes may have entered the car the woman was in through its air conditioning.

The drama unfolded when firefighters with specialist breathing apparatus responded to reports of a chemical spill on the A94 just north of Scone.

A lorry carrying 80,000 litres of Kemlix H160—a petroleum-based liquid—was found to be the source of the spill. The woman was in the passenger seat of a car travelling behind.

She was taken to hospital after developing a sore throat and breathing became difficult.

Members of the fire brigade quickly discovered a cap on the HGV had become dislodged, allowing some of the liquid to escape.

A section of the road was closed as fire crews made the scene safe after the spill and a decontamination unit was also set up.

Last night, assistant divisional officer Stewart Edgar said the consequences could have been far more serious.

Mr Edgar said five fire brigade appliances had attended at the scene.

“It was quite a major turnout from ourselves as we had to make sure it was not more serious,” he said.

“We contained the spillage and secured the cap back on the lorry,” he said.

“Thankfully the woman’s visit to hospital was more of a precaution than anything else,” Mr Edgar added.