Emergency services were called to Didcot A Power Station at about 4pm on the 23 Feb. There was a partial collapse of a large building, which is approximately 300m long and ten storeys high.
The building was due to be demolished in the coming months. Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has command of the incident, supported by South Central Ambulance Service and Thames Valley Police.
Sadly, it has been confirmed that one person died during the incident. Meanwhile, five people have been taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford; two with serious injuries, three with minor injuries.
There are three people reported missing on site at this time. A further 47 people were treated at the scene for dust inhalation, and have since been discharged.
The Health and Safety Executive has been informed and will conduct an investigation, which will be supported by Thames Valley Police. There is currently a 100m cordon in place, however there are no public road closures at this time.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Nathan Travis said:
“It is with great sadness that I have to confirm one person has died during this incident. Our priority now is to find the three missing people.
The search will be a considerable undertaking due to the instability of the site. We expect the search will continue through the night and possibly into the coming days.
There is Specialist Rescue Command Support Units, and Urban Search and Rescue Units from Buckinghamshire, Hampshire and West Midlands at the scene, including search dogs. The fire service is being supported by South Central Ambulance Service and Thames Valley Police.
Dust from the collapse covered a considerable area but I would like to reassure the public there were no hazardous materials within the building, but we would advise local residents to remain inside, keeping doors and windows closed.
Anyone concerned about dust inhalation should call the NHS on 111. I would like to confirm that this is not believed to be a terrorist incident.”
The resources sent to the scene by South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust were:
- 5 Officers
- Thames Valley and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulances (doctors and paramedics)
- 6 Ambulances
- 4 Specialist Hazardous Area Response Team Vehicles
- 1 Enhanced Care Response Unit
- 1 Patient Transport Service Vehicle