Four people were injured and another remains unaccounted for after a large blaze at a fireworks factory following an explosion.
The alarm was raised at 5:15pm as worried local residents reported hearing a loud bang and seeing smoke coming from the premises in Tilcon Avenue, Stafford.
The fire service said the blaze “escalated” at one point but it was later brought under control.
However there was “significant damage” to the building and it was still alight.
West Midlands Ambulance Service said two people were taken to the major trauma centre at University Hospital North Staffordshire.
One man, aged in his 40s, was treated for serious burns, while another man in his 60s had a back injury and was suffering from smoke inhalation.
Two women, one in her 40s, the other in her 50s, were assessed for smoke inhalation and discharged at the scene.
Police said a cordon was in place to protect the public, and residents in the Baswich area were urged to remain indoors with windows closed.
Eight fire engines were sent to the scene and dozens of firefighters dealt with the blaze at an industrial unit.
Supt Jane Hewett from Staffordshire Police said: “At this stage police and fire are working to establish the cause of the explosion.
“Sadly we currently believe one person remains unaccounted for and police are working to support their family.
“We are currently arranging for a search of the scene tomorrow (Friday) morning once the fire has been extinguished and the scene made safe.
“The cause of the explosion remains unclear at this point.
“Police are working to locate everyone who had been in the premises this afternoon and urge anyone with any information about those visiting SP Fireworks today to call Staffordshire Police on 101.”
Onlooker Mike Hillman said he was watching from Tixall Road, adding “massive fire, loads of smoke this way, hope everyone is OK”.
Source Article from https://uk.news.yahoo.com/two-hurt-blast-fireworks-factory-183846058.html
One Missing After Blaze At Fireworks Factory
No comments:
Post a Comment