Expert Calls For Lessons To Be Learned From Industrial Accident

Investigations are continuing after two men were injured following reports of an industrial accident at the Stansfield Mill in Greater Manchester.

Ten fire crews were called to the site in Littleborough to tackle the large fire at the site, which was believed to have started following an explosion. Residents were urged to stay indoors while an evacuation of the Stansfield estate nearby was initially planned.

It is believed that silos containing solvents were burning during the blaze, while a 23-year-old man and 40-year-old were taken to Wythenshawe Hospital and Royal Oldham Hospital respectively for treatment.

Irwin Mitchell’s specialist workplace injury team has vast experience of representing victims affected by major industrial explosions and acted for over 75 workers and residents affected by the Killingholme refinery fire in 2001 – the largest chemical disaster since Flixborough.

David Urpeth, the national head of workplace injuries at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Large industrial accidents involving hazardous chemicals can have a huge impact, not just on workers involved but also people living in the local area.

“It is vital that a full investigation is carried out, particularly with a view to answering the key questions as to how this fire began and how a similar incident could be avoided in the future.

“Through our work we have seen the huge consequences that such fires can have on so many lives, so hope that everything can be done to gain answers over this blaze and ensure lesson can be learned from it.”