Two in hospital after explosion

An investigation has been launched following an explosion at a hazardous waste treatment plant in Staffordshire.

Two employees were taken to hospital following the blast at Augean Treatment's unit at Cannock Industrial Centre just before noon yesterday.

A further ten people - including seven emergency services personnel - received decontamination treatment at the scene as a precaution. One employee was thrown more than 6ft through the air by the blast.

The man, aged 39, sustained irritation to his skin and was taken to Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital, along with a second 29-year-old man.

Neighbours reported hearing a loud bang, but there was no fire following the explosion in one of the liquid waste tanks.

A total of 38 firefighters from all over Staffordshire were sent to the scene in Walkmill Lane, Bridgtown, as well as paramedics from West Midlands Ambulance Service's hazardous area response team.

Fire crews and paramedics were at the scene for much of yesterday afternoon, setting up and operating the decontamination tents. Police cordoned off an area around the plant, but neighbouring businesses were unaffected.

The incident was scaled down at around 4pm.

In a statement issued last night, Augean spokesman Carol Earp said: "We will cooperate fully with the Environment Agency and the Health and Safety Executive."