Factory explosion victim was 29-year-old Southampton man, police confirm
A man who died at the Chemring Countermeasures factory explosion on Friday evening was a 29-year-old man from Southampton, Wiltshire Police have confirmed.
The fire broke out at the defence firm's facility near Salisbury at around 5pm after the blast in a flare manufacturing building.
The blaze was later extinguished as emergency services contained the incident.
A man has died, and one man is in hospital, following an explosion at a factory near Salisbury. Officers are working alongside the Health and Safetey Executive to investigate the incident. Read more here - https://t.co/sOHGXJWyNI
-- Wiltshire Police (@wiltshirepolice) August 11, 2018
Police said formal identification is yet to take place, although the victim's family have been informed.
A second man caught up in the explosion, a 26-year-old from Pewsey, remains in a serious but stable condition in Salisbury District Hospital.
Wiltshire Police said it was investigating the explosion with health and safety officers, and reassured the public that they faced no further risk.
The firm said it had also launched a "full and immediate" investigation.
1/3Chemring Group PLC confirms that at approximately 5pm on Friday 10th August, an incident occurred in a flare manufacturing building at the Chemring Countermeasures facility, near Salisbury.
-- Chemring Group (@Chemring_Group) August 10, 2018
2/3There has been one fatality and one employee is currently receiving treatment in hospital. The site was immediately evacuated, and the incident brought under control. The emergency services are in attendance.
-- Chemring Group (@Chemring_Group) August 10, 2018
3/3Chemring has launched a full and immediate investigation into the cause of the incident. A further announcement will be made as information becomes available. The thoughts and support of all Chemring Group are with the families at this time.
-- Chemring Group (@Chemring_Group) August 10, 2018
Detective Inspector Simon Pope said: "We are working closely with the Health and Safety Executive on this investigation to determine the cause of the explosion and our enquiries will be continuing at the site today. A cordon remains in place at the site while investigators carry out their enquiries.
"We would like to reassure the public that this incident was contained as soon as possible and there is no risk to those living in the local area.
"Our thoughts remain with those involved in this incident, as well as their family, friends and colleagues at this time."