01/12/2008

Explosion At Berkshire Trading Estate "Like Earthquake'

A fire broke out earlier today, following an explosion at a trading estate in Slough, Berkshire.

Sky News reported that the force of the blast was so big that some witnesses nearby thought it was an earthquake.

Police, ambulance and fire crews were called to Duco International at the Slough Trading Estate after a "large explosion" shortly after 10am.

More than 30 firefighters were called to the scene to tackle the fire. It is now understood to be under control.

A spokeswoman for Thames Valley Police said a 200 metre cordon was in place around the unit in Eastbourne Road.

She said it was thought to have been a chemical explosion.

According to reports, most of the employees at the factory were in a meeting at the opposite end of the building at the time of the explosion. However, one man is believed to have been injured by flying glass and he is being treated in hospital.

The incident is being managed jointly by the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and Thames Valley Police.

The police said the cause of the fire would be investigated but the incident was not believed to be suspicious. The Health and Safety Executive is also investigating.

Duco International provides printing and varnishing services for metal and plastic.

More than 500 businesses are based on the estate and around 20,000 people work there every day.

Founded in 1920, it was the UK's first business park.

The Slough Trading Estate, where the explosion happened, was made famous as the set of The Office, the comedy television series starring Ricky Gervais.

(KMcA)(BMcC)

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