Investigation launched after explosion at Cleckheaton factory Flexitallic Ltd (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Investigation launched after explosion at Cleckheaton factory Flexitallic Ltd

7:00am Wednesday 6th March 2013 in News

The Health and Safety Executive has started an investigation after an explosion at a Cleckheaton factory led to 11 workers being taken to hospital.

The night shift staff were treated by medics after the blast at Flexitallic Ltd, in Hunsworth Lane, on Monday evening.

Firefighters also had to battle a small blaze when they arrived at the scene, but it is not yet clear whether the fire or the explosion happened first.

Three of the casualties were taken to Dewsbury and District Hospital. One, a man, was suffering a shoulder injury and the other two were walking wounded, an ambulance spokesman said.

A further eight casualties were taken to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary as a precautionary measure.

A spokesman for Flexitallic Ltd said all staff members had since been discharged from hospital and it was working with the Health and Safety Executive to determine the cause of the blast.

The explosion is thought to have happened in an oven area at the factory, which manufactures gaskets.

Fire crews from Cleckheaton, Odsal and Bradford were called to the scene at about 8.20pm, along with fire service specialists in handling hazardous materials.

Station manager Mike Dale, of West Yorkshire Fire Service headquarters in Birkenshaw, said: “The fire was contained by firefighters to a small area. However, a localised explosion had caused severe damage to the processes and the building.”

Mr Dale said the roof was also damaged, but firefighters had stopped the blaze spreading to nearby buildings.

He said staff were outside the premises by the time fire crews arrived.

A spokesman for the Health and Safety Executive said yesterday: “The Health and Safety Executive is aware of the incident and has launched an investigation. We are attending the scene today.”

A statement from Flexitallic Ltd said: “Initial investigations indicated an explosion occurred in the manufacturing area. The night shift staff were safely evacuated and members of Flexitallic staff were taken to hospital as a precautionary measure. All staff have now been discharged from hospital.

“The company is working with The Health and Safety Executive and the fire service to assess the damage and understand the cause of the incident.”