14/12/2005
Tanker driver questioned over oil depot fire
Police have interviewed a tanker driver who fears he may have triggered the blaze at the Buncefield oil depot.
A friend of the driver told ‘The Sun’ newspaper that the driver feared he was responsible for the explosion, which started the massive fire on Sunday morning, because he flicked his engine cut-out switch after detecting a leak of vapour.
Assistant Chief Constable Simon Parr said that the driver had already spoken to police, along with the other people who were at the scene of the explosion, and that everyone would be spoken to again.
The Health and Safety Executive and the Environment Agency have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire. HSE manager Bob Woodward said that it was too early to speculate on what the cause of the fire might have been, but he said that it was clear that it had been caused by a release of fuel.
The main fires at the oil depot in Hemel Hempstead were extinguished yesterday. At its height, the fire – the largest of its kind seen in the UK and Europe during peacetime – involved twenty oil tankers. Forty-three people were injured as a result of the explosions and fire.
Many people were able to return to homes and businesses near the depot afterwards.
However, fire broke out again at the depot last night, in a tank, which had previously not been affected by the blaze. The fire brigade said that the fire was being allowed to burn itself out and was safely contained.
Residents are being advised to keep their doors and windows closed to prevent coming into contact with the smoke. However, medical authorities have reported no significant ill effects from the smoke.
(KMcA)
A friend of the driver told ‘The Sun’ newspaper that the driver feared he was responsible for the explosion, which started the massive fire on Sunday morning, because he flicked his engine cut-out switch after detecting a leak of vapour.
Assistant Chief Constable Simon Parr said that the driver had already spoken to police, along with the other people who were at the scene of the explosion, and that everyone would be spoken to again.
The Health and Safety Executive and the Environment Agency have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire. HSE manager Bob Woodward said that it was too early to speculate on what the cause of the fire might have been, but he said that it was clear that it had been caused by a release of fuel.
The main fires at the oil depot in Hemel Hempstead were extinguished yesterday. At its height, the fire – the largest of its kind seen in the UK and Europe during peacetime – involved twenty oil tankers. Forty-three people were injured as a result of the explosions and fire.
Many people were able to return to homes and businesses near the depot afterwards.
However, fire broke out again at the depot last night, in a tank, which had previously not been affected by the blaze. The fire brigade said that the fire was being allowed to burn itself out and was safely contained.
Residents are being advised to keep their doors and windows closed to prevent coming into contact with the smoke. However, medical authorities have reported no significant ill effects from the smoke.
(KMcA)
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01 March 2006
Buncefield firefighters to demonstrate at Downing Street
Firefighters who tackled the massive blaze at the Buncefield oil depot will stage a protest at Downing Street today at a reception they were invited to attend.
Buncefield firefighters to demonstrate at Downing Street
Firefighters who tackled the massive blaze at the Buncefield oil depot will stage a protest at Downing Street today at a reception they were invited to attend.
08 May 2009
Heroic Tyne Firemen Honoured
Two Tyne and Wear firefighters are to be recognised for their bravery at a special ceremony today. Andrew Nelson and Allan Richardson will be presented with the Chief Fire Officer's Commendations for brave and meritorious conduct after saving a man's life. The men took part in a dramatic rescue in the early hours of 4 February.
Heroic Tyne Firemen Honoured
Two Tyne and Wear firefighters are to be recognised for their bravery at a special ceremony today. Andrew Nelson and Allan Richardson will be presented with the Chief Fire Officer's Commendations for brave and meritorious conduct after saving a man's life. The men took part in a dramatic rescue in the early hours of 4 February.
31 August 2006
Firefighters launch four-day strike
More than 1,000 firefighters across Merseyside have begun a four-day strike in protest over planned job cuts. Another four-day stoppage is scheduled to begin two hours after the first one ends.
Firefighters launch four-day strike
More than 1,000 firefighters across Merseyside have begun a four-day strike in protest over planned job cuts. Another four-day stoppage is scheduled to begin two hours after the first one ends.
11 December 2006
Buncefield explosion marked one year on
There has been a plaque unveiled this morning at 6.01am to mark the first anniversary of the Buncefield oil depot. The blaze at the depot, which was the biggest in peacetime Europe, occurred when a petrol storage tank overflowed and the leaking petrol caught fire.
Buncefield explosion marked one year on
There has been a plaque unveiled this morning at 6.01am to mark the first anniversary of the Buncefield oil depot. The blaze at the depot, which was the biggest in peacetime Europe, occurred when a petrol storage tank overflowed and the leaking petrol caught fire.
03 March 2010
Suspicious Glasgow Car Fires
Detectives in Glasgow's East End are investigating a spate of vehicle fire attacks in the city yesterday. Shortly after 3.30am police were called to a report of a vehicle fire in Ashvale Crescent, Glasgow. Upon arrival police were advised by Strathclyde Fire Service that four vehicles had been damaged by fire.
Suspicious Glasgow Car Fires
Detectives in Glasgow's East End are investigating a spate of vehicle fire attacks in the city yesterday. Shortly after 3.30am police were called to a report of a vehicle fire in Ashvale Crescent, Glasgow. Upon arrival police were advised by Strathclyde Fire Service that four vehicles had been damaged by fire.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.