Investigation launched into British waste plant explosion that sent 20 to hospital
Investigations are being conducted into the reasons behind an explosion that took place at a waste plant in the north of England on Tuesday. Around 20 people were hospitalized as a result of the blast, according to local press.
The explosion at Runcorn Thermal Power Station occurred at around
12:00 GMT on Tuesday. The employees were thought to have come
into close contact with calcium hydroxide (hydrated lime) from
the explosion.
Some 20 workers were taken to Warrington Hospital’s accident and
emergency department, according to the Liverpool Echo. There,
they were treated for breathing problems and eye irritation.
Viridor, the company that owns the plant, confirmed the explosion
to local press, telling the Warrington Guardian that there had
been a “spillage of Air Pollution Control Residue (mainly
hydrated lime)” at the plant.
“The spillage occurred during the current commissioning phase
of the plant by Keppel Seghers, the managing contractor on the
site,” a Viridor spokesperson said.
The hospital's accident and emergency department was forced to
close its doors to the public in case of contamination.
“Warrington Hospital A&E is currently dealing with a
major internal incident following a small chemical explosion at a
plant in Runcorn this afternoon,” a spokesman for Warrington
Hospital told local paper Runcorn and Widnes World.
“A number of casualties have been admitted following the
incident that has led to the department being locked down
temporarily whilst the casualties are admitted,” he
confirmed.
Another hospital employee, Chris Horner, told the BBC that there
had been “about 20” casualties. However, a spokesperson
from Viridor stated that the number had been 16.
“A couple of patients who may have breathed in the powder are
being kept in for observation but are not thought to be seriously
hurt,” Horner added.
The newly-commissioned Runcorn Thermal Power Station, located
just east of Liverpool in the north of England, is managed by
Keppel Seghers. It is the largest waste-to-energy plant of its
type in Europe.
Keppel Seghers confirmed that there would be a full investigation
into the matter. “The circumstances surrounding the incident
are currently being explored and enquiries are continuing,”
a Cheshire Police spokesperson told Runcorn and Widnes World.