Thursday 30th October 2014 – 9.00pm – John Hawker.
Emergency services are currently dealing with a large fire following an explosion at a fireworks factory earlier this evening. Police, Fire and Ambulance services were called by members of the public across the Stafford area reporting a large explosion and smoke from the large factory unit on Baswich Industrial Estate.
Baswich Lane remains completely closed and a large cordon surrounds the location to protect the scene and to allow the emergency services to tackle the fire.
West Midlands Ambulance Service have taken two men to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire. One, who is in his 60s has a back injury and was suffering from smoke inhalation. The other is a man in his 40s with serious burns.
Two women, one in her 40s, the other in her 50s were assessed for smoke inhalation and discharged at scene.
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue have brought the fire under control and are working to extinguish it as quickly as possible.
The building is still alight and has sustained significant damage.
Supt Jane Hewett from Staffordshire Police said “At this stage police and fire are working to establish the cause of the explosion, sadly we currently believe one person remains unaccounted for and police are working to support their family. We are currently arranging for a search of the scene tomorrow morning once the fire has been extinguished and the scene made safe.
“The cause of the explosion remains unclear at this point. Police are working to locate everyone who had been in the premises this afternoon and urge anyone with any information about those visiting SP Fireworks today to call Staffordshire Police on 101.”
Ends