Four killed in Chevron Pembroke refinery explosion

Dyfed Powys police say that an investigation is already underway, but confirm initial reports that the incident was a result of an explosion occurred during maintenance on a 730m3 storage tank. Damage was also caused to an adjacent storage tank. As yet, no further details of the nature of the engineering work being undertaken or the cause are known. "A police investigation is now underway, with the Health and Safety Executive, and early indications show that this was a tragic industrial incident," says Gold commander of the incident, Chief Superintendent Gwyn Thomas of from Dyfed Powys police. . "Police officers have secured the scene and colleagues from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue are working to make the site safe to enable a multi agency investigation into the cause of the explosion to commence," he adds. Fire fighters and appliances from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue assisted the onsite Chevron fire team throughout the operation, and, according to assistant chief fire officer Chris Davies, the fire itself was quickly extinguished. "We can confirm that any material released into the atmosphere as a result of the blast were immediately dispersed," he says. "The wind was blowing off shore, away from residential areas. Members of the public can be reassured that there is no ongoing risk to health as a result of the incident." Environment Agency Wales provided technical advice to the emergency services and will now be involved in the investigation into the incident, alongside the HSE and police.