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Stafford fireworks fire: One person still missing Stafford fireworks fire: One person still missing
(35 minutes later)
One person is missing after a large blaze at a fireworks factory that saw two people taken to hospital. One person is missing after a large blaze at a fireworks warehouse that saw two people taken to hospital.
Dramatic bursts of fireworks and thick smoke could be seen as the fire burned in Stafford on Thursday night.Dramatic bursts of fireworks and thick smoke could be seen as the fire burned in Stafford on Thursday night.
Although the blaze at the unit of SP Fireworks was brought under control, firefighters remained at the scene through the night.Although the blaze at the unit of SP Fireworks was brought under control, firefighters remained at the scene through the night.
The emergency services said they were working with the family of the person who remained unaccounted for.The emergency services said they were working with the family of the person who remained unaccounted for.
In total four people were hurt in the fire, which started at about 17:00 GMT and tore through the building on the Baswich Industrial Estate.In total four people were hurt in the fire, which started at about 17:00 GMT and tore through the building on the Baswich Industrial Estate.
'Mayhem' 'Man on fire'
At its peak, the blaze was being tackled by about 50 firefighters.At its peak, the blaze was being tackled by about 50 firefighters.
Staffordshire Police said the site would be searched once the fire was completely out, as the operation moved into an investigation into the cause of the fire.Staffordshire Police said the site would be searched once the fire was completely out, as the operation moved into an investigation into the cause of the fire.
Supt Jane Hewett said: "On Friday we will continue to investigate this incident and work to ensure everyone is accounted for.Supt Jane Hewett said: "On Friday we will continue to investigate this incident and work to ensure everyone is accounted for.
"Sadly, at this stage, we believe there is a person unaccounted for and our focus remains tracing those at the factory shortly before the explosion."Sadly, at this stage, we believe there is a person unaccounted for and our focus remains tracing those at the factory shortly before the explosion.
"A joint investigation into the incident is already under way, which will work to establish the cause and circumstances immediately before the fire.""A joint investigation into the incident is already under way, which will work to establish the cause and circumstances immediately before the fire."
West Midlands Ambulance Service said four people were treated at the scene and two needed to be taken to hospital - a man in his 40s with serious burns and a man in his 60s who had inhaled smoke.West Midlands Ambulance Service said four people were treated at the scene and two needed to be taken to hospital - a man in his 40s with serious burns and a man in his 60s who had inhaled smoke.
A number of roads in the area were closed and businesses and homes were evacuated.A number of roads in the area were closed and businesses and homes were evacuated.
Stephanie Horton works in a neighbouring business on the industrial estate and was treated for the effects of smoke inhalation at the scene.
She described hearing "three massive explosions" and seeing the owner of a neighbouring business thrown to the floor by the blast.
Ms Horton said she saw two vehicles parked outside SP Fireworks, and one man running out of the blazing building.
"It became evident after that there were potentially other missing people," she said.
According to its website, SP Fireworks is part of Stafford Plastics Group, which supplies roofing and other building materials.
'Mayhem'
Darren Humphreys works at an accident repair business opposite the premises, and said the area was quickly engulfed by smoke.
"There was a chap who got out who was on fire and a couple of our lads ran over to help him," he said.
Eyewitness Robert Hine said he first heard an "enormous bang" at about 17:20.Eyewitness Robert Hine said he first heard an "enormous bang" at about 17:20.
"It was like November the 5th 10 times," he said."It was like November the 5th 10 times," he said.
"There were fireworks going off in all directions, bangs, great plumes of black smoke."There were fireworks going off in all directions, bangs, great plumes of black smoke.
"I assumed someone must have set fire to a great load of fireworks."I assumed someone must have set fire to a great load of fireworks.
"It was mayhem.""It was mayhem."
Police said they planned to reduce the size of the cordon around the scene in the early hours so Baswich Lane could reopen to traffic.Police said they planned to reduce the size of the cordon around the scene in the early hours so Baswich Lane could reopen to traffic.
Tilcon Ave will remain closed and cordoned off while the investigation continues, and all the businesses accessed via Tilcon Ave will remain closed and sealed off for the time being.Tilcon Ave will remain closed and cordoned off while the investigation continues, and all the businesses accessed via Tilcon Ave will remain closed and sealed off for the time being.