Major explosion at electrical recycling factory, Surrey UK
03 October 2011
A number of workers have been injured as a result of a major explosion on an industrial estate in Lingfield, Surrey, UK
Surrounding businesses and homes are reported to have shaken as three separate blasts occurred at around 11:30 am GMT on Monday 3rd October 2011 at Hobbs Industrial Estate near Lingfield. Many local workers have been evacuated as flames and billowing clouds of black smoke rise from the scene of devastation.
Six ambulances, 12 fire appliances, an air ambulance & several Police cars attended, saying that the explosion had been declared a major incident but the cause of the explosion was as yet unknown. Although it is suspected to have been caused by chemicals from recycling toner cartridges. One person has been airlifted to Kings College Hospital, London suffering from severe burns.
It is thought the fire started on the ground floor of a unit, there are large numbers of gas cylinders on the site and crews are fighting to bring it under control.
At least eight people have been treated so far and four remain in a serious condition.
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