Multiple casualties in large explosion near Bristol

There have been multiple casualties following a large explosion at a sewage plant in Avonmouth, near Bristol.

The blast is believed to have involved one of the chemical tanks at the Wessex Water recycling centre.

Avon and Somerset police say that “a number of workers” were on top of it at the time of the incident.

Fire crews were called at 11.22am and confirmed there have been multiple casualties.

A statement from Avon Fire and Rescue said: “Crews from Avonmouth, Southmead, Yate, Patchway, Kingswood and Temple are currently attending. We can confirm there are multiple casualties on site.

“We are joined by Avon and Somerset Police and the ambulance service on site.

“The incident is ongoing.”

Police have declared a major incident and said a full investigation into the incident would be conducted.

Witness Jawad Burhan said he had seen a helicopter “looking for missing people” and that police had shut a road near to the tank which he believed to be part of a waste centre.

He said: “I heard the sound, I’m working beside the building in another warehouse. After ten minutes I saw the helicopter coming and the police.”

Photos from the scene showed police cars, fire trucks and a helicopter in attendance.

One picture appears to show a damaged tank and another shows what looks like smoke rising from behind a mound.

Chief inspector Mark Runacres said: “Officers remain at the scene and are likely to be for some time as we work together with other agencies in dealing with this major incident.

“A cordon has been set up and we’d advise members of the public to avoid the area at this time where possible to allow the emergency services to carry out their work.

“Police enquiries into exactly what happened are at a very early stage and are continuing.”

Home Secretary Priti Patel tweeted to say she was “deeply concerned” about the explosion.

She wrote on Twitter: “Deeply concerned at reports of a warehouse explosion in Avonmouth.

“My thoughts are with those affected and our brave emergency services working hard to resolve this incident.”

Darren Jones, MP for Bristol North West, said: “This is a serious incident and my thoughts are with those workers who have injured on site today.

“I’m grateful to our fire, police and ambulance staff for their quick response.”