Legal Experts Call For Investigation Into Blaze

Legal experts at law firm Irwin Mitchell have called for a full and thorough investigation into a fire after seven workers were taken to hospital following a blaze at one of Europe’s deepest mines, in the North York Moors.

The incident happened at the ICL Boulby mine, three miles north of Staithes, which is known for its potash, an important ingredient for producing fertilisers.

A spokesman for the mine said emergency services and the mine’s rescue team had dealt with the blaze.

They added: “The fire has now been extinguished and all workers in the mine at the time of the incident were located and brought to the surface.

“Seven workers affected by smoke have been taken to hospital for checks.

 “HM Inspectorate of Mines are at the mine and the company will be working with them in carrying out a full investigation into the incident.

“Mining operations have been suspended today.”

The mine is 1,400m deep and its tunnels lay far out under the North Sea.

Group litigation expert Sallie Booth said it was vital that an extensive investigation into the circumstances around the fire, on the early hours of Wednesday morning, took place.