Moment plumes of black smoke pour from nuclear submarine shipyard after early hours blaze that left two hospitalised
THIS is the terrifying moment plumes of black smoke billow from a nuclear submarine shipyard.
The blaze at BAE Systems in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, erupted during the early hours of Wednesday morning and has left two people hospitalised with suspected smoke inhalation.
Thick dark clouds poured out of the windows as fierce bright orange flames roared.
In footage from the scene, alarms can be heard ringing out as fire crews desperately try and flush the blaze out.
The inferno has been billowing from an area where a £1.6bn Astute-class nuclear submarine is being assembled, it is understood.
The fire continues to rage on hours after it was first reported.
Faulty equipment is now being investigated as the possible cause.
Cops evacuated everyone from Devonshire Dock Hall around 12.30am and confirmed there was no nuclear risk.
Apart from the two receiving medical treatment in hospital, there are no other casualties, say police.
A Barrow-in-Furness local living next to the shipyard said she saw thick black smoke coming from the building.
Donna Butler, 36, said: “My son came and got me and said that the BAE alarms were going off, so we went.
“When I opened the front door, we just saw a lot of black smoke.
“It was a lot of black smoke, like really thick black smoke, and it was very loud.”
Cumbria Police said the incident remains ongoing with nearby residents being urged to keep windows and doors shut.
In its most recent update, a Cumbria Constabulary spokesman said: “Whilst people living nearby are no longer being advised to remain indoors, the message remains to keep doors and windows closed.
“If you are in a road vehicle and travelling within the vicinity of BAE, please close your vehicle’s windows, air vents and sunroof and turn off fans. Turn off fans and air conditioning if you have them.
“People are also asked to avoid the area whilst emergency services continue with their work.
“Cumbria Fire and Rescue are likely to have appliances on site for much of the day today.”
A Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service spokesman 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.”
BAE Systems is one of the world’s biggest defence contractors.
It produces a huge array of military hardware and technology – including nuclear submarines, fighter jets, tanks and ships.
They also provide guns and ammunition.