BAE fire: Nuclear submarine shipyard in FLAMES as two hospitalised in ‘significant fire’ ’caused by faulty equipment’
Date: 2024-10-30A NUCLEAR submarine shipyard has erupted into a tower of flames – potentially caused by suspected faulty equipment.
Two people were hospitalised this morning after the blaze erupted at BAE Systems in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, just after 12.30am.
Cops evacuated everyone from Devonshire Dock Hall and confirmed there was no nuclear risk.
Two people were then taken to hospital with suspected smoke inhalation following the “significant fire”.
There are no other casualties, say police.
Faulty equipment is now being investigated as the possible cause.
Flames have been billowing from an area where a £1.6bn Astute-class nuclear submarine is being assembled, it is understood.
Photographs and video shared online show clouds of smoke erupting into the sky hours after the fire was first reported.
A Barrow-in-Furness local living next to the shipyard said she saw thick black smoke billowing from the building.
Donna Butler, 36, said: “My son came and got me and said that the BAE alarms were going off, so we went.
“When I opened the front door, we just saw a lot of black smoke.
“It was a lot of black smoke, like really thick black smoke, and it was very loud.”
“She said a few police cars and emergency service vehicles were at the shipyard and police were asking people to stay in their homes.”
Cumbria Police said the incident remains ongoing with nearby residents being urged to keep windows and doors shut.
In its most recent update, a Cumbria Constabulary spokesman said: “Whilst people living nearby are no longer being advised to remain indoors, the message remains to keep doors and windows closed.
“If you are in a road vehicle and travelling within the vicinity of BAE, please close your vehicle’s windows, air vents and sunroof and turn off fans. Turn off fans and air conditioning if you have them.
“People are also asked to avoid the area whilst emergency services continue with their work.
“Cumbria Fire and Rescue are likely to have appliances on site for much of the day today.”
A Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “Fire crews are currently dealing with an Fire in the vicinity of BAE systems in Barrow, residents in the area are advised to keep windows and doors closed and avoid the area.
“We appreciated your co operation whilst we deal with the incident.”
BAE Systems is one of the world’s biggest defence contractors.
It produces a huge array of military hardware and technology – including nuclear submarines, fighter jets, tanks and ships.
They also provide guns and ammunition.
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