Rescue efforts continue after huge factory blast

A MAJOR rescue operation is under way at a Cheshire manufacturing plant.

A huge explosion was reported at Boden Group’s Wood Treatment Ltd business which processes wood flour at Bosley near Congleton.

Rescuers said a four-storey building collapsed after several large explosions and that four employees remain unaccounted for.

Cheshire Fire said four people were treated at the scene for breathing difficulties and a further four have been taken to hospital for treatment – one of those is in a serious condition.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service’s chief fire officer, Paul Hancock, said: “This is a difficult and demanding incident. There are a number of hazards that make it particularly dangerous for those attempting to tackle the blaze.

“However, crews and our colleagues from the other emergency services continue to work tirelessly to both bring the fire under control and find the four that are missing.”

 A total of 15 fire engines from Cheshire Fire and Rescue are attending and the air ambulance was deployed.

Witnesses spoke of hearing a noise like a loud thunder clap shortly after 9am this morning.

The business manufactures the Fibretron and Filtron ranges of wood flour. Wood flour is the main ingedient in wood/plastic composite building products such as decks and roofs.

It is also commonly used as a filler in thermosetting resins such as bakelite and in lino floor coverings.

On Friday night Cheshire East council leader Michael Jones announced  a package of measures to support all those affected by the “terrible incident”.

He said: “There are families whose homes have been damaged and they have had to be relocated to emergency accommodation. We also have 50 local people whose jobs have been lost as a result of the destruction of this factory.

“We are also offering support to those families whose loved ones remain missing and to those people who are recovering from their injuries.
This is a small community with the factory at its heart.

“We are all devastated by what has happened here. I will ensure that we have staff available to offer whatever help, guidance and support is required.”