Molten metal blaze at steel plant

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More than 50 firefighters tackled a blaze at Corus steel works in Scunthorpe after molten metal spilled out of a container 40ft in the air.

A number of fires broke out at the site after 80 tonnes of steel spilled as it was being transported across the plant.

A skip lorry, electrical sub station and sulphur storage area caught fire.

Crews dampened the blaze with 50 tonnes of sand and managed to get it under control, preventing a fire at a nearby 13,500-litre diesel storage area.

'Challenging fire'

Humberside Fire and Rescue Service said the efforts of firefighters and the Corus emergency team had averted a "major incident".

Crews remained at the scene until early on Wednesday.

Spokesman Glenn Ramsden said: "This fire was challenging for the crews on the Corus site as a spillage of this nature cannot be dealt with using water.

"Corus fire teams worked alongside our firefighters to bring the incident to a safe conclusion as quickly as possible.

"The firefighters did an outstanding job at the site tonight in conditions which were very difficult."

No-one was injured in the blaze and Corus said operations were unaffected.

An investigation into the blaze was due to begin on Wednesday.