03/06/2011

Four Die In Refinery Blast

A police investigation has been launched following an explosion at a Pembrokeshire oil refinery.

It has been confirmed that four people died as a result of the incident and one worker remains critically ill.

The blast occured around 6.20pm yesterday during routine maintenance in one of its 730 cubic metre storage tanks at the Chevron refinery based in Pembroke.

Damage was also caused to an adjacent storage tank.

Gold Commander of the incident from Dyfed Powys Police, Chief Superintendent Gwyn Thomas said: “Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service received a call at 18:22hrs reporting an explosion at Chevron Oil Refinery at Pembroke Dock.

“Paramedics have confirmed that four people lost their lives as a result of the incident.”

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Chris Davies said: “Crews from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue assisted the onsite Chevron fire personnel throughout the operation. The fire itself was extinguished quickly and the crews worked to make the scene safe for Police to start their investigation.

“We can confirm that any material released into the atmosphere as a result of the blast were immediately dispersed. The wind was blowing off shore, away from residential areas. Members of the public can be reassured that there is no ongoing risk to health as a result of the incident.”

Chief Superintendent Gwyn Thomas concluded: “A police investigation is now underway, with the Health and Safety Executive, and early indications show that this was a tragic industrial incident.

“Police officers have secured the scene and colleagues from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue are working to make the site safe to enable a multi agency investigation into the cause of the explosion to commence.”

(BMcN)

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