Salisbury factory explosion kills 29-year-old man from Southampton
Second person caught in blast, a 26-year-old from Pewsey, remains in serious but stable condition
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Your support makes all the difference.The man who died in the Chemring Countermeasures factory explosion on Friday evening was a 29-year-old from Southampton, Wiltshire police have confirmed.
Fire broke out at the defence firm’s facility in High Post, Salisbury at approximately 5pm after the blast.
The blaze was later extinguished as emergency services contained the incident.
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.
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.”
Chemring Countermeasures produces flares, chaff and decoys to protect military and civilian air and sea platforms. It has also designed countermeasure systems for the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet.
The firm’s business director, Andy Hogben, said in a statement: “Chemring Group PLC confirms that at approximately 5pm on Friday 10 August an incident occurred in a flare manufacturing building at the Chemring Countermeasures factory near Salisbury.
“There 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 has launched an investigation into the cause of the incident. The thoughts and support of Chemring Group are with the families at this time.“
Press Association
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