An explosion and fire at an oil refinery in Pembrokeshire (Wales) has killed four people
Published: 03 June, 2011
The explosion occurred at the Chevron refinery at 1820 BST on Thursday 2nd June.
Chevron has confirmed that a contract worker is currently in hospital for serious burns injuries.
According to the police, the explosion took place in a 730 cubic metre storage tank that was undergoing maintenance.
Greg Hanggi, refinery general manager, said: "The loss of our co-workers has come as a huge shock to us all.
"Our thoughts and deepest sympathy go out to their families. We will ensure that all employees and contractors are fully supported throughout this difficult time."
Hanggi said that Chevron would take every step possible to determine the series of events leading to the tragic incident and ensure that any lessons learnt from it would be learned.
Mr Hanggi also paid tribute to the emergency services who attended.
Mid and West Wales Assistant Chief Fire Officer Chris Davies said there was no ongoing risk to health to members of the public as a result of the incident. "We can confirm that any material released into the atmosphere as a result of the blast was immediately dispersed. The wind was blowing off shore, away from residential areas," he said.
10 fire engines from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service attended the incident, and reports say that the incident was brought under control within an hour and a half.
The Health and Safety Executive said it was too early speculate about the cause of the blast at the site, which can refine 220,000 barrels of crude oil a day into petrol and other products, and which employs 1,400 people.
