An investigation has begun into a huge chemical fire and explosion at an industrial estate in Andoversford, Gloucestershire, which occurred on Monday 4 September at 10:55am. Smoke was still issuing from the Biolab plant the following day, where chemicals used in the treatment of pool and spa water were being stored. Eyewitnesses described a huge bang, which sent a fireball 40 feet into the air. The building was ablaze and uncontrollable within just a few minutes and at the height of the fire, 100 firefighters and 20 fire engines were employed. There were no reported casualties, but residents in the immediate area were asked to stay indoors and keep their doors and windows shut for a day after the blast. In addition, the A40 and the A436 were closed during the incident.
The Environment Agency is investigating whether some of the chemicals, mostly chlorine, had polluted the River Coln and the site has now been handed over to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in conjunction with Cotswold District Council to find out how the fire started.
