The emergency services are currently dealing with what has been reported as a “large explosion” at a wastewater treatment works in Avonmouth near Bristol.
A spokesperson for Avon & Somerset Police said:
‘The fire service, police and ambulance service were called at approximately 11.20am this morning (Wednesday 3 December) to a site off Kings Weston Lane.
‘An explosion is believed to have occurred involving one of the chemical tanks at Wessex Water’s Bristol water recycling centre.
‘A rescue operation was subsequently led by the fire service, involving five appliances and two turntable crews and we can confirm there have been a number of casualties.
‘A full investigation into the incident will be conducted’.
The Bristol Post has said that there have been multiple “casualties” reported. Pictures from the scene show HEMs also in attendance.
The Express has reported that one person is dead and that at least another two people are missing.
In video footage that has be shared from the scene, specialist Underwater Search & Rescue (USAR) teams can be seen kitting up at the location.
The nearby Avonmouth Recycling Centre and Reuse Shop have closed and have been evacuated.
Witness Jawad Burhan, who took a photo appearing to show a heavily damaged water tank. He told the BBC:
“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 added
Chief Inspector Mark Runacres from Avon & Somerset Police 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.”
Avon Fire and Rescue Service Area Manager Matt Peskett said:
“We were called at 11.22am to reports of a large explosion on Kings Weston Lane, Avonmouth.
“Crews from Avonmouth, Southmead, Yate, Patchway, Hicks Gate, Kingswood, Weston-super-Mare and Temple were mobilised and attended the incident.
“We were joined at the scene by our police and ambulance colleagues and have now handed over the incident to the police and continue to support our multi-agency partners.”
A spokesman for South Western Ambulance Service added:
“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.”
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Image credits: PA newswires | Jawad Burhan
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