Inquiry into chemical plant blast

Investigations are under way after an explosion at a Teesside chemical plant.

The explosion happened on a pipe at the Terra Nitrogen (UK) Limited site, in Billingham, at 0015 BST on Thursday.

Emergency services declared a major emergency after a fire started involving mixed gases including hydrogen, nitrogen and ammonia.

Two people working at the site were treated for minor cuts and shock. Residents reported hearing the blast and seeing a ball of flame.

Roads were sealed off around the scene and residents were advised to keep doors and windows shut as a precaution. The plant was shut down.

By about 0300 BST, police said the incident had been scaled down and there were no off-site implications or risks to the public.

UK manufacturing director of Terra Nitrogen UK Limited Ashraf Malik said: “We would like to apologise to anyone who has been inconvenienced by the need for the precautionary actions and would thank people for their patience and understanding during the incident.

“The company would also thank our employees and the emergency services for their efforts.”

Terra Nitrogen produces nitrogen products used in the chemical industry and agriculture. It employs 400 people in the UK, including 250 people on Teesside.

The site was previously owned by ICI and it was taken over by Terra Nitrogen in 1998.

A spokeswoman for the company said the explosion happened on a pipe at the ammonia plant.

The company said it had started a full investigation. The Health and Safety Executive and Environment Agency will also be investigating.

Supt Ian Richards from Cleveland Police said the emergency services had the situation under control in a relatively short period of time.

He said: “Fortunately what was initially perceived as a major incident was quickly dealt with.

“The emergency services and petrochemical industry on Teesside regularly exercise to ensure such incidents can be dealt with effectively.

“Their expertise and training to deal with such situations and protect the public is nationally recognised.”

Peter Honeyman, 28, from Middlesbrough, was driving home with four friends after a night out in Hartlepool.

He was level with the plant at the time of the first explosion.

“The first blast almost knocked my vehicle off the road. I pulled up and heard two more explosions,” he said.

“The sky lit up with orange and red flames. I could feel a burst of heat and an awful smell filled my throat.”

Source

I was on my way home from kareoke when this happened. I did hear a loud bang, then saw 2 cops running down the street.

Will