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Two injured after explosion at Tata steelworks in Wales
Inquiries launched into explosion at Tata steelworks in Wales
(about 3 hours later)
Two people have been injured after a huge explosion rocked the UK’s largest steelworks, lighting up the night sky and waking up people up to 15 miles away.
Investigations are under way after a huge explosion at the UK’s largest steelworks left two night-shift workers with burns injuries.
Residents near the Tata Steel site in Port Talbot said their houses shook with the force of the blast in the early hours of Friday.
The explosion and fire at the Tata Steel site lit up the town of Port Talbot in south Wales and could be heard up to 15 miles away.
It is thought the seat of the explosion was a train that carries molten metal into the works. Two employees were hurt by a spillage of liquid iron.
Residents said the blast in the early hours of Friday shook houses and led many to initially fear a repeat of a tragedy in 2001 in which three men died.
The Aberavon MP, Stephen Kinnock, said the incident raised “real concerns” about safety at the site. “It could have been a lot worse. Grateful as always to the emergency services for their rapid and effective response,” he tweeted. Kinnock called for Tata to conduct a safety review.
The two injured men are believed to have been on a train carrying molten metal. Both suffered superficial burns, one to the back of his head, the other to his chest. They were taken to hospital but discharged.
Tata Steel tweeted: “We can confirm two of our employees were slightly injured when there was a spillage of liquid iron while it was travelling to the steel plant. All fires have now been extinguished. A full investigation has begun.”
Experts from the Health and Safety Executive have been to the site to begin an investigation and Tata will carry out its own inquiry.
It added later:“The Port Talbot site has now been reopened to works traffic and we are assessing any potential damage.”
Stephen Davies, a Unite union representative for the site, said: “We’re working closely with management to find out exactly the issues that have take place.
Unite union representative Stephen Davies said the two injured workers suffered “superficial burns”, one to the back of the head and the other to his chest, and have been discharged from hospital.
“This was totally out of the blue. Our safety record down there has been excellent. So it’s disappointing to hear what happened.” Davies said the use of the railway line had been put on hold.
Several bright flashes could be seen in video of the incident shared online. Emergency services including paramedics and firefighters attended the complex after 999 calls began to stream in at about 3.35am.
A spokesman for Tata said: “Shortly after 3.30am there was an incident at our Port Talbot site involving a spillage of molten iron.
South Wales police said two people had sustained minor injuries in the incident and advised locals to avoid the area.
“Two of our employees suffered minor injuries and both have been released following treatment. The spillage led to a number of fires which were extinguished by our own emergency services supported by members of the Mid and West Wales fire and rescue service. Police and ambulance also attended.
“Emergency services remain on scene but we have had confirmation that all members of staff are accounted for and there are only two casualties with minor injuries,” the force said.
“We are currently investigating the cause of the incident and are looking to minimise any impact on production.” Work at the site recommenced around 7am.
“Early indications are that the seat of the explosion was a train which carries molten metal into the works. The explosion caused some small fires which are all under control and damage to some buildings on the site.
The Aberavon MP, Stephen Kinnock, said: “The men and women at our Port Talbot steelworks do an absolutely fantastic job, often in challenging and dangerous circumstances.
“South West fire and rescue service have informed us there is no need for concerns re hazardous effects from the smoke from the fire.” The force said the M4 motorway remained open.
“With this in mind I’m pleased that Tata are conducting an investigation into the causes of last night’s incident. It is important we understand the causes of the blast, to reassure workers and local residents that the highest standards of safety are being upheld.”
Residents spoke of their shock at the blast. Lance Davies, who lives at the highest point in the town, said it was a “miracle” no one was killed. He told the BBC: “I was woken up this morning by what sounded like thunder. It was like a big orange bubble of flame in the sky, a big mushroom cloud. The whole place was lit up.”
The Welsh secretary, Alun Cairns, said: “It is important that Tata Steel Europe addresses safety concerns that could arise as a result of this incident to ensure the wellbeing of staff and residents in the local and wider community.”
In 2001, three men were killed and 12 injured in a blast at the plant, then owned by Corus. On Friday, locals described their dread when they heard there had been another explosion.
Lance Davies, who witnessed the explosion, said it was a miracle no one was killed. He added: “I was woken up by what sounded like thunder. I went to the window and could see the results of the first explosion, then I called my partner and saw the other two.
A Tata Steel spokesman said: “Shortly after 3.30am today there was an incident at our Port Talbot site involving a spillage of molten iron. Two of our employees suffered minor injuries and both have been released following treatment.
“It was like a scene from Independence Day. A big ball of flame, followed by a massive mushroom of smoke. It was unbelievable.”
“The spillage led to a number of fires which were extinguished by our own emergency services supported by members of the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service. Police and ambulance also attended. We are currently investigating the cause of the incident and are looking to minimise any impact on production.”
Sharon Freeguard, a Neath Port Talbot councillor, said: “I thought I heard about two to three explosions. It was extremely frightening and very, very scary.
The secretary of state for Wales, Alun Cairns, said: “I wish a quick recovery to those injured in this morning’s incident in Port Talbot and thank the emergency services for their rapid response.
“The house just shook, so it was quite alarming. We’re just all relieved that there are no fatalities.”
“It is important that Tata Steel Europe addresses safety concerns that could arise as a result of this incident to ensure the well-being of staff and residents in the local and wider community.”
In 2001, three men were killed and 12 injured in a blast at the plant, then owned by Corus.
A spokesman for the trade union Community said its representatives were in urgent meetings at the steelworks. He added: “We are thankful that there are no serious injuries. It is important that all appropriate procedures are followed now to ensure lessons are learnt and any necessary changes are implemented.”
