Two people have been taken to hospital after a fire broke out at a nuclear submarine shipyard.
Cumbria Constabulary said the fire at BAE Systems’ Barrow-in-Furness shipyard in Cumbria broke out at about 12.45am and was ongoing.
Police said there is “no nuclear risk”, however two people were taken to hospital for suspected smoke inhalation.
Nearby residents are being advised to remain indoors whilst emergency services respond to the incident and keep doors and windows closed.
Fire at the shipyard in Cumbria
Michelle Butler
Construction of the Ambush submarine at the BAE Systems in Barrow-in Furness (file pic)
PA
A statement from Cumbria Police said: “At this time there are no other casualties and everyone else have been evacuated from the Devonshire Dock Hall and are accounted for.”
Vision shared on social media overnight showed flames shooting out from the Devonshire Dock Hall building, with alarms blaring in the background.
The force advised people living nearby to “remain indoors whilst emergency services respond to the incident and keep doors and windows closed”.
The facility is home to Britain’s Astute-class submarines and Dreadnought programme.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
A general view BAE Systems in Barrow-in Furness (file pic)
PA
BAE Systems confirmed two employees have been rushed to hospital. A spokesperson said: “We are working with emergency services to deal with a fire at site in Barrow in Furness.”
A spokesperson from Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service said: “Fire crews are currently dealing with an Fire in the vicinity of BAE systems in Barrow, residents in the area are advised to keep windows and doors closed and avoid the area. We appreciated your co operation whilst we deal with the incident.
A spokesperson from Cumbria Police said: “Emergency services are currently in attendance at BAE at a significant fire at the site. This incident was reported at around 00.44am this morning (30 Oct) and remains on-going.
“There is no nuclear risk. However, people living nearby are advised to remain indoors whilst emergency services respond to the incident and keep doors and windows closed.”
A spokesperson continued: “Two people have been taken to hospital having suffered suspected smoke inhalation. At this time there are no other casualties and everyone else have been evacuated from the Devonshire Dock Hall and are accounted for.
“A road closure is in place on Michaelson Bridge.”
More to come…
