Explosions at Bosley Wood Treatment plant – four missing

By Editor on July 17, 2015

Following three explosions, at 9.15 am this morning, emergency teams were called to Bosley Wood Treatment.

A four-storey building has collapsed and there are a number of fires still burning.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “A 29-year-old woman has sustained serious burns and blast injuries to her head, face, arms and chest.

“She was given pain relief, her burns carefully dressed and she was immobilised before being airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham by the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford for further specialist treatment; the MERIT trauma doctor continued treatment en route.

“North West Ambulance Service have, so far, taken two patients to hospital with burns.

“One has been taken by land ambulance to Royal Stoke University Hospital and the other has been airlifted to Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester.

“A further 35 people have also been assessed at a triage unit set up on scene by ambulance staff. None of these were injured and have been discharged on scene.”

Chief Inspector Paul Carroll said: “There is currently a lot of smoke emanating from the building and it is advised that residents living in the area should close their doors and windows. It is also advised to avoid the area while we deal with this incident.”

A total of 15 fire engines from Cheshire Fire and Rescue and three other areas are attending and the air ambulance was deployed.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service’s chief fire officer, Paul Hancock, said: “This is a difficult and demanding incident. There are a number of hazards that make it particularly dangerous for those attempting to tackle the blaze.

“However, crews and our colleagues from the other emergency services continue to work tirelessly to both bring the fire under control and find the four that are missing. We urge everyone in the area to keep their windows and doors shut as there continues to be a lot of smoke in the area.”