Police and health and safety inspectors are continuing to probe a blast which ripped a hole in an industrial building, shaking houses and showering debris on to a passing train.

Three men – two aged 45 from Keighley and a 30-year-old from Ilkley – have been arrested after the explosion at Speedy Hire Centre at Cross Hills Enterprise Centre, near Skipton, on Friday afternoon.

They were questioned by detectives and have been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

The Health and Safety Executive has started its own investigation into the blast which was snapped by Keith Addison, whose home in Station Grove, Cross Hills, is only 300 yards away.

Mr Addison, a retired foreman at Shipley Paints, was sitting in his living room when he saw a pall of smoke belching from the building.

“I could see a hint of flames coming out of the roof. I went upstairs because I knew a train would be on its way towards Keighley.

“I was holding my camera out of the window when there was an almighty blast which pushed me back and shook the house. I must have pushed the camera shutter at exactly the same time.

“I saw the back of the building come out. The explosion released sparks and yellow and orange flames out of the roof and something came out of the back – a brilliant white substance. That’s what hit the train which just carried on.”

Mr Addison understood gas cylinders and nail gun cartridges caused the explosion.

A Northern Rail spokesman said the train driver reported the explosion but said no passengers or staff were hurt.

  • Read the full story in Tuesday's T&A