Fireworks Factory Blaze

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http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/...242796,00.html

Fireworks Factory Blaze
Updated: 21:25, Sunday December 03, 2006




A series of explosions has killed two firefighters and seriously injured 12 people.

Among the injured were fire service and rescue staff, two members of the public and a police officer.

The emergency services were battling to bring a blaze at the Festival Fireworks warehouse near Lewes, in East Sussex, under control.

Eyewitnesses said the area was rocked by a series of blasts after the initial blaze.

The explosions sent debris flying through the air and caused nearby buildings to shake.

Five hours after the first emergency calls, fireworks could still be seen exploding from the wreckage.

Lewes MP Norman Baker said: "It is a terrible event and I feel deeply sad for the families that have lost firefighters.

"It is always sad when someone dies, but particularly when they are serving other people and part of the emergency services and essentially putting their lives on the line for other people."

Police declared a major incident and later imposed an exclusion zone of 200 metres around the fire.

Janine Bell, of South East Coast Ambulance Service, said the situation "worsened" during the afternoon.

Philip Thomas, of the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, told Sky News seven people had been admitted, two with serious injuries.

He said: "They are both in a serious condition, but are stable and under active treatment at the moment.

"One has had a blast injury, an injury to the chest, bleeding from the chest.

"We are aware that five of the injured are from the emergency services but I could not tell you which of the emergency services they are from.

"The other five people are all conscious and undergoing treatment for a variety of burns and limb injuries. None are in a serious condition but they will remain in hospital tonight."

Eastbourne District General Hospital received five casualties from the scene, four of whom were later discharged.

A fifth casualty was expected to be kept in overnight but did not suffer life threatening injuries.

Jason Winter, nephew of the warehouse owners, told Sky News his family has lost everything.

He said the fire had been left to burn out: "The emergency services are not going anywhere near the place. They are not prepared to let anyone get near it.

"Nobody is doing anything. It's so sad to see my family's business go up in smoke."

just goes 2 show how deadly the stuff inside fireworks are.. such a shame 2 lose some1 so close 2 xmas..