Explosion hits UK ammonia plant
2 Jun 2006
Ammonia plant blast at Billingham was followed by a fire involving mixed gases.
Billingham, UK – Safety officials are investigating an explosion at Terra Nitrogen (UK) Ltd’s ammonia plant in Billingham. The incident, which happened 1 June on a pipe at the plant, led to a fire involving mixed gases, said a company statement.
According to Terra, the blaze was extinguished automatically as the pipe depressurised. The incident, which occurred at 12.15am, was scaled down in the early hours of the morning, the company added.
Two Terra employees received minor injuries but did not require hospital treatment. The company said it did not believe the event presented any danger to the public or would give rise to any public health issues.
Local police and fire services assisted the scene until the plant was shutdown. The ammonia plant currently remains off line and Terra said it is working with the Environment Agency and the Health and Safety Executive to identify the cause.
“We would like to apologise for any disturbance local residents experienced during the incident, and we would like to thank people for their patience and understanding.” said Carol Devlin, managing director of Terra Nitrogen (UK).