Four dead following explosion at Avonmouth port
Emergency services have been dealing with a major incident on site
Last updated 3rd Dec 2020
Fire crews, police and paramedics have been responding to a large explosion at a warehouse in the port in Avonmouth near Bristol.
Avon and Somerset Police tell us four people have died, and their next of kin have been informed.
One other person has been hurt, but their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
It's been confirmed that incident's taken place at Wessex Water's recycling centre.
The explosion's thought to have taken place within a chemical tank on the site.
Wessex Water have paid tribute to their colleagues:
A statement from Chief Executive Colin Skellett reads: "We are absolutely devastated that the tragic incident at our site earlier today has resulted in four fatalities.
"Our thoughts are with the families, friends and colleagues of those involved.
"We are working with the Health and Safety Executive to understand what happened and why."
The Prime Minister has also responded:
Avon Fire and Rescue Service said: “We have been called to a large explosion at 11.22am in a warehouse in Avonmouth on Kings Weston Lane.
“We have been joined by Avon and Somerset Police and the ambulance service on site."
Firefighters have described the scene as 'challenging' but say they arrived on site within 5 minutes of the emergency call.
A major incident has been declared by Avon and Somerset Police.
Chief Inspector Mark Runacres said: “Officers remain at the scene and are likely to be for some time as we work together with other agencies in dealing with this major incident.
“A cordon has been set up and we’d advise members of the public to avoid the area at this time where possible to allow the emergency services to carry out their work.
“Police enquiries into exactly what happened are at a very early stage and are continuing.”
A full investigation into the incident will follow.
South Western Ambulance Service have given us a statement:
“SWAS was called at 11.20am about an incident at premises on King’s Weston Lane, Avonmouth, Bristol.
"We sent multiple resources to the scene, including land air and other specialist paramedic teams. We supported Avon Fire & Rescue Service and Avon & Somerset Police at the scene.”
MP for Bristol North-West Darren Jones tweeted:
"I’m conscious this is the second serious incident in Avonmouth in as many weeks. Once our emergency services have resolved this incident and helped any injured workers, I’ll be calling on the @EnvAgency @H_S_E and others to ensure lessons are being learnt for the future.
"Helicopter looking for missing people"
Witness Jawad Burhan took a photo showing a tank that had exploded after the blast.
He told the PA news agency there was a “helicopter looking for missing people” and police had closed a nearby road leading up to the building, which he believed was a waste centre.
“I heard the sound, I’m working beside the building in another warehouse. After ten minutes I saw the helicopter coming and the police,” he said.
The Unite union, has been in contact with its members who work at the Wessex Water site.
Regional secretary for the South West Steve Preddy said: “We can confirm that Unite has three members working at Wessex Water Services Ltd in Avonmouth.
“We have contacted them this afternoon and they are, thankfully, uninjured, although in a state of shock.
“Unite will be giving our members maximum support in the days and weeks ahead.
“Unite the union would wish to extend its deepest sympathy to the families of those employees who have lost their lives and as well as those injured in the explosion – our thoughts and solidarity are with all those affected by this tragic event.
“Unite would also like to thank the emergency services for their rapid, brave and professional response to this major incident."