Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Three injured after accident at nuclear power plant in Lancashire

Emergency services called to Heysham 1 power station after reports of accidental steam release

Tuesday 20 November 2018 12:49 EST
Comments
Heysham 1 nuclear power station
Heysham 1 nuclear power station (Wikimedia Commons)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Three people have been injured following an incident at a nuclear power station in Lancashire.

Emergency services were called to Heysham 1 power station at 10.30pm on 19 November after reports of an accidental steam release.

The incident was described as non-nuclear but three members of staff were rushed to two nearby hospitals for treatment.

One of the workers was taken to a hospital in Wythenshawe while the others were taken to Preston.

They are believed to have suffered broken bones and burns, according to the BBC.

A spokesperson for EDF Energy, which owns the power station, said a full investigation would be launched.

“It goes without saying that everyone’s thoughts are with our three colleagues who have been injured, we will be doing everything we can to support them and their families while they recover,” the spokesperson said.

“There was no risk to the public during the incident which is now under control.

“A full investigation into the cause will be carried out.

“Safety is our overriding priority and we will investigate how this happened and make sure all measures necessary are put in place to ensure it does not happen again.”

The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) said it has launched an investigation into the incident.

A spokesperson said: “The Office for Nuclear Regulation, as the independent safety regulator, will investigate the incident. Separately, in line with standard procedures, EDF has also launched its own investigation.

“In light of these ongoing enquiries, which are at an early stage, it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this time.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in