Explosion at Oxfordshire Recycling Site After Lightning Strike
A dramatic fire illuminated the night sky in Oxfordshire yesterday as an explosion rocked the area, leaving residents stunned and authorities scrambling to respond. The incident occurred on Monday night when lightning struck a food waste recycling plant, resulting in a powerful explosion.
The lightning strike occurred at approximately 19:20 (7:20 pm) BST, hitting a tank at the Severn Trent Green Power site in Cassington, Oxfordshire. The lightning ignited the bio-gases contained within the tank, resulting in an explosion that sent flames soaring into the air, leaving witnesses in awe. The explosion occurred during a period of heavy thunderstorms in the region, with lightning strikes. Around 1,400 lightning flashes were detected across southern England yesterday, according to BBC Weather's Simon King.
A total of 40 firefighters, alongside police and paramedics, were dispatched to manage the situation. Although paramedics attended the scene, there have been no reports of any casualties. While the blaze has been brought under control, a fire crew is still onsite to monitor the plant for the next few days according to Chief Fire Officer Rob MacDougall.
Severn Trent Green Power Limited, the facility's operator, praised the rapid response of emergency services and expressed relief that no injuries were reported. The company is currently assessing the extent of the damage and has advised the public to stay away from the site. The incident has resulted in significant damage to the recycling facility, with three of the five tanks being affected. It was explained by the Chief Fire Officer that the plastic tops of these tanks were completely destroyed by the fire, allowing the gas to escape and ignite.
As a precautionary measure, Thames Valley Police temporarily closed the A40 between Wolvercote and Eynsham and advised residents to stay indoors, keeping windows and doors shut. The road has since reopened, and restrictions for residents have been lifted. In addition to the fire, some residents reported power outages and flickering lights in their homes at the time of the lightning strike. However, Severn Trent Green Power confirmed that this was due to the weather and not related to their site.
While the immediate danger has been contained, authorities are expected to launch a safety investigation to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
