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Natech Accident
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Type
Natech Accident
Date
2023/10/02
Time
19:20
Natural Hazard
Lightning strike at Oxford, United Kingdom, 2023
Site
Severn Trent Green Power Plant at Cassington, Oxford, United Kingdom
Status
Published

Units Involved

  1. Name
    Biogas tank
    Type
    Storage: Other

Event Sequences

  1. Name
    Explosion and fire
    Unit
    1. Biogas tank
    Description
    A lightning strike has caused a huge gas explosion at a food waste recycling plant in Oxfordshire.
    The strike caused one biogas tank to explode at about 19:20 BST.
    Substances Involved
    1. Name
      Food waste
    Initiating EventCritical EventMajor Event
    Natural Hazard: Other
    A lightning strike hit a biogas tank.
    		-
    Fire: Fireball
    The content of the biogas tank ignited due to the lightning strike, which resulted in the tank's explosion and the eruption of a large fire. A fireball was seen by witnesses (pyramid of flames inside a yellow and orange mushroom-like shape).

Weather Conditions

Precipitation
Rain
Description
Rain with thunderstorms

Emergency Response

Response to the Natech Event
Six fire engines, 40 firefighters, police and at least four ambulances were deployed to the plant.
Fire crews were using an aerial appliance and water tank to extinguish the flames.
Paramedics were at the scene - they were there on standby to assist police and the fire service.

Consequences

Human Health Impacts
No injuries and no casualties were reported.
Built-up Areas Impacted
Infrastructure (e.g. roads, railways, air transport)
Community Disruption
The force said the A40 highway was closed between Wolvercote and Eynsham as a result of the incident.
To ensure public safety, nearby residents were asked to stay at home, to shut windows and doors and not to attend the scene.
ID: 103, Created: Kyriaki GKOKTSI, 2023-10-12 10:04:09 – Last Updated: Kyriaki GKOKTSI, 2023-10-12 10:45:42

Attachments

NoDescriptionFile Size
1.BBC News3.92MB
2.Sky News8.54MB
3.The Guardian news561.01KB
Last update: 2024/04/17 | Top