‘Significant fire’ at UK nuclear shipyard (PHOTOS, VIDEO)
A “significant fire” has broken out at a nuclear submarine shipyard in northwest England, injuring two people, local authorities have said, stressing that there is no risk of a nuclear disaster.
Police said the incident happened at around 12:30am on Wednesday at the shipbuilding facility of defense contractor BAE Systems in Barrow-in-Furness. Two people were reportedly taken to the hospital after suffering what appeared to be smoke inhalation.
“There is no nuclear risk. However, people living nearby are advised to remain indoors whilst emergency services respond to the incident and keep doors and windows closed,” the police said, noting that people in the area affected by the fire have been evacuated and accounted for.
Photos and videos posted on social media show what appears to be a plume of smoke rising from inside the shipbuilding facility.
🚨🇬🇧NUCLEAR SUB FACTORY ON FIRE - RISK OF EXPLOSION?!A nuclear submarine shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, UK, is still on fire, and emergency responders are battling to bring the blaze under control.The fire reportedly originated within Devonshire Dock Hall, the facility’s… pic.twitter.com/HoEH7FWd6s
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) October 30, 2024
The UK is currently boosting its nuclear submarine fleet and plans to introduce four new Dreadnought-class ballistic missile submarines into service in the 2030s. This type of vessel is expected to replace the Vanguard class, and like its predecessor, will carry missiles that can be armed with a nuclear warhead.
In addition, in September the UK pledged £4 billion ($5.2 billion) to develop SSN-AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines, construction of which will take place in Barrow-in-Furness.
