Ace Breaking News – Two hospitalised after nuclear sub shipyard fire

Two people were taken to hospital after a “significant fire” broke out at the BAE Systems nuclear submarine shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, police have said.

Emergency services were called to the site, where the UK’s nuclear submarines are built, at about 00:44 GMT on Wednesday. 

Those taken to hospital were said to be suffering from suspected smoke inhalation and have since been released, BAE confirmed, with everyone “accounted for”.

Cumbria Police said there was “no nuclear risk”.

The force has withdrawn advice for those living nearby to stay indoors but people should keep their doors and windows closed.

Drivers in the area have also been told to close their windows, air vents and sunroofs, as well as to turn off fans and air conditioning units.

Police said the Devonshire Dock Hall, the site’s main building facility, had been evacuated. 

There are no longer any signs of fire but emergency services remain at the scene and smoke damage can be seen on the facility.

The doors of the affected building remain open and there is a metallic smell of smoke in the air.

The force said the fire service is likely to be on the site for “much of the day”.

A road closure is also in place at the nearby Michaelson Bridge.

Smoke was seen coming from the building during the early hours

David Harris, who lives nearby, said he could see “smoke in the distance” after leaving a local gym in the early hours. 

He said emergency services were already at the scene when he arrived.

“Given the equipment used within the submarines… I only live a few streets back from where I took the footage so I did feel worried,” he added.

Donna Michelle Butler

Residents have been told to keep their doors and windows closed

Workers turning up for their shifts were confused as to which parts of the site were accessible and whether or not they should go in.

BAE has since told non-essential staff at Devonshire Dock Hall to not go to work on Wednesday morning and to work from home if possible.

All other staff have been told to attend as usual but to check the employee hotline if they need more details.

Smoke damage can be seen to the top of the building

Covering around six acres, the hall is the second-largest indoor shipbuilding complex of its kind in Europe, according to BAE Systems.

The craft to have been built in the hall include the four Vanguard Class submarines that make up the UK’s Trident nuclear programme. 

Four new nuclear submarines from the Dreadnought Class are currently being built at the site and are due to replace the Vanguard submarines in the early 2030s. 

And the last of the Royal Navy’s seven new nuclear-powered submarines, part of the Astute Class, is also being built at the site. 

Contacted for additional comment, the Ministry of Defence referred the BBC to BAE Systems while the incident was ongoing. 

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