COPS have launched an investigation after a major fire broke out at a nuclear submarine shipyard, as locals have been warned to keep their windows closed.
Two people were hospitalised this morning after the blaze erupted at BAE Systems in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, just after 12.30am.
Smoke billows from the building[/caption]
The new fourth Astute-class nuclear-powered submarine, HMS Audacious, outside BAE Systems (stock)[/caption]
Cops evacuated everyone from Devonshire Dock Hall and confirmed there was no nuclear risk.
Two people were then taken to hospital with suspected smoke inhalation following the “significant fire”.
There are no other casualties, say police.
Faulty equipment is now being investigated as the possible cause.
Flames have been billowing from an area where a £1.6bn Astute-class nuclear submarine is being assembled, it is understood.
Photographs and video shared online show clouds of smoke erupting into the sky hours after the fire was first reported.
A Barrow-in-Furness local living next to the shipyard said she saw thick black smoke billowing from the building.
Donna Butler, 36, said: “My son came and got me and said that the BAE alarms were going off, so we went.
“When I opened the front door, we just saw a lot of black smoke.
“It was a lot of black smoke, like really thick black smoke, and it was very loud.”
In an update from the Cumbria Police this afternoon, it said the emergency services were still at the scene in what was described as a “significant” fire.
It added firefighters had now “suppressed” the blaze and had “moved onto dampening down”.
The statement added: “We are no longer advising the public of the need to close doors and windows, not have car air conditioning on, etc.”
An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the fire.
Michaelson Bridge has now been reopened.
A Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “Fire crews are currently dealing with an Fire in the vicinity of BAE systems in Barrow, residents in the area are advised to keep windows and doors closed and avoid the area.
“We appreciated your co operation whilst we deal with the incident.”
BAE Systems is one of the world’s biggest defence contractors.
It produces a huge array of military hardware and technology – including nuclear submarines, fighter jets, tanks and ships.
They also provide guns and ammunition.
The fire at BAE Systems’ Barrow-in-Furness shipyard in Cumbria[/caption]
Smoke erupted into the air hours after the fire was first reported[/caption]
Firefighters are still on scene tackling the blaze[/caption]
