Huge blaze at UK nuclear submarine manufacturing unit was sparked by an exploding device that induced fireplace to ignite rubber tiles on the hull of £1.3billion sub
A huge fire that ripped through a nuclear submarine factory damaging a £1.3billion vessel was caused by an exploding tool, it has been reported.
Highly-flammable rubber tiles on the hull of nuclear sub HMS Agincourt ignited after a sand-blaster blew up at the BAE Systems factory in Barrow, Cumbria just after midnight on Wednesday.
The tiles, which are designed to absorb enemy sonar, are made of a foam-like polymer with a source saying the fire ‘smelt like burning rubber but worse’.
The revelation debunks fears the blaze was caused by Russian sabotage, with sources saying it was merely an industrial accident.
Security services have been on high alert for Russian arson and sabotage attacks after mystery fires wrecked havoc across Germany, the Baltic and the UK.
The historic BAE Systems shipyard has built all but three of the UK’s fleet of nuclear submarines and has been producing vessels for more than 100 years. The latest, HMS Agincourt, is due for completion in 2026.
A huge fire that ripped through a nuclear submarine factory damaging a £1.3billion vessel was caused by an exploding tool, it has been reported (picture from the scene)
The £1.3billion hunter-killer HMS Agincourt (pictured) is said to have suffered ‘substantial damage’ amid the flames
Pictured: Huge fire breaks out at the BAE Systems shipyard in Cumbria
Two night shift workers and five BAE firefighters were hospitalised for smoke inhalation following the blaze.
Employees were also shut out of burnt-out sections of the the site that were deemed ‘unsafe’.
Locals said the fire appeared to be centred on the six-acre Devonshire Dock Hall, the main construction site, where the £1.3billion sub was being assembled.
In a statement at 4am on Thursday, Cumbria Police said: ‘Emergency services are currently in attendance at BAE at a significant fire at the site.
‘This incident was reported at around 00.44am this morning and remains on-going.
‘There is no nuclear risk. However, people living nearby are advised to remain indoors whilst emergency services respond to the incident and keep doors and windows closed.
‘Two people have been taken to hospital having suffered suspected smoke inhalation.
Two night shift workers and five BAE firefighters were hospitalised for smoke inhalation following the blaze (picture from the scene)
Emergency services raced to the nuclear submarine shipping yard around 1am on Wednesday (picture from the scene)
The historic shipyard has built all but three of the UK’s fleet of nuclear submarines and has been producing vessels for more than 100 years
Cumbria Constabulary said the fire at the nuclear submarine shipyard broke out at about 12.45am on Wednesday
‘At this time there are no other casualties and everyone else have been evacuated from the Devonshire Dock Hall and are accounted for.
‘A road closure is in place on Michaelson Bridge.’
BAE Systems said: ‘We are working with emergency services to deal with a fire at [our] site in Barrow in Furness.’
Locals took to social media to tell of their concerns as the fire at the massive factory could be seen for miles around.
One man told the Daily Mirror he had heard a ‘big thump’ from the building earlier in the night.
Another resident asked: ‘Isn’t this really bad?’ A further local said: ‘It’s scary because the last thing you want is BAE of all places up in flames. But if it was a threat to life or the town they would have emergency-warned everyone.’
Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service added: ‘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.’
