Multi agency statement in relation to incident at Chevron Oil Refinery, Pembroke Dock
Friday, 03 June 2011 01:00am
Gold Commander of the incident from Dyfed Powys Police, Chief Superintendent Gwyn Thomas said:
“Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service received a call at 18:22hrs reporting an explosion at Chevron Oil Refinery at Pembroke Dock.
“Paramedics have confirmed that four people lost their lives as a result of the incident, Officers are now in the processes of informing the next of kin and will support the families throughout this difficult time. Our thoughts are now with the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased.
“Five fire appliances were mobilised immediately (two from Pembroke Dock; two from Milford Haven and one from Tenby). Specialist fire appliances were also mobilised including two foam vehicles, a chemical incident unit, a high volume pump from Pembroke Dock, environment unit from Pembroke Dock and a control unit from Carmarthen.
“The fire was a result of an explosion in an 730 cubic metres storage tank whilst maintenance work was carried out, damage was also caused to an adjacent storage tank.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Chris Davies said,
“Crews from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue assisted the onsite Chevron fire personnel throughout the operation. The fire itself was extinguished quickly and the crews worked to make the scene safe for Police to start their investigation.
“We can confirm that any material released into the atmosphere as a result of the blast were immediately dispersed. The wind was blowing off shore, away from residential areas. Members of the public can be reassured that there is no ongoing risk to health as a result of the incident.”
Chief Superintendent Gwyn Thomas continued,
“A police investigation is now underway, with the Health and Safety Executive, and early indications show that this was a tragic industrial incident.
“Police officers have secured the scene and colleagues from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue are working to make the site safe to enable a multi agency investigation into the cause of the explosion to commence.”
Notes to editors
Environment Agency Wales has been providing technical advice to the emergency services and will carry out a full investigation into the incident alongside the Health and Safety Executive.
No formal identifications have taken place, the Coroner has been informed.
No further information will be released until Friday morning.
