Industry news
Worker dies in plant explosion
Posted Wed, 30 Jun 2010
A man working at an oil refinery which exploded on Tuesday has been found dead, it has been confirmed.
The Lindsey Oil Refinery worker, who has not been identified, was near to a crude oil distillation unit which caught fire and exploded at around noon.
Humberside Fire and Rescue Service attempted to tackle to the fire with more than 50 fire fighters and 10 appliances at the scene.
The burning crude oil from the explosion resulted in black smoke surging out of the plant.
People living in the area surrounding the plant in North Killingholme, North Lincolnshire, reported hearing the explosion.
Employees said the fire started in a superheated industrial heater close to where they walked to work.
In a statement oil company Total, which runs the refinery, said: "It is with deep regret that Total Lindsey Oil Refinery can confirm that there has been a fatality following the fire and explosion at 11.57.
"The deceased has yet to be formally identified.
"Formal investigations have been launched by the Police and the Health and Safety Executive.
"We are fully co-operating with these inquiries in order to understand exactly why this tragic incident occurred."
Copyright © Press Association 2010
Humberside Fire and Rescue Service