Massive Explosion at Chemical Plant

A fire caused by a massive explosion at a chemical plant has now been brought under control. The blast happened at the Terra Nitrogen UK site in Billingham, Teesside and caused a fire involving mixed gases. The police declared a major emergency.

Firefighters and ambulance crews were called to the scene and by 02.45 the blaze had been extinguished. Two people working at the site sustained minor injuries.

The plant, which produces ammonia, was shut down. The cause of the blast is not clear, but police said an investigation would be carried out by the Health and Safety Executive and the Environment Agency.

A Terra Nitrogen UK spokesman confirmed the explosion had led to a fire involving "mixed gases". "The plant has now been safely shut down and an investigation is underway. The company will co-operate with any separate investigations carried out by the regulatory authorities."

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Posted 01/06/06

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