Three injured after accident at nuclear power plant in Lancashire

Emergency services called to Heysham 1 power station after reports of accidental steam release

Heysham 1 nuclear power station (Wikimedia Commons)

Three people have been injured following an incident at a nuclear power station in Lancashire.

Emergency services were called to Heysham 1 power station at 10.30pm on 19 November after reports of an accidental steam release.

The incident was described as non-nuclear but three members of staff were rushed to two nearby hospitals for treatment.

One of the workers was taken to a hospital in Wythenshawe while the others were taken to Preston.

They are believed to have suffered broken bones and burns, according to the BBC.

A spokesperson for EDF Energy, which owns the power station, said a full investigation would be launched.

“It goes without saying that everyone’s thoughts are with our three colleagues who have been injured, we will be doing everything we can to support them and their families while they recover,” the spokesperson said.

“There was no risk to the public during the incident which is now under control.

“A full investigation into the cause will be carried out.

“Safety is our overriding priority and we will investigate how this happened and make sure all measures necessary are put in place to ensure it does not happen again.”

The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) said it has launched an investigation into the incident.

A spokesperson said: “The Office for Nuclear Regulation, as the independent safety regulator, will investigate the incident. Separately, in line with standard procedures, EDF has also launched its own investigation.

“In light of these ongoing enquiries, which are at an early stage, it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this time.”