Explosion at Cleckheaton factory

Fire crews were called to Flexitallic in Hunsworth Lane at Moorend at 8.20pm after reports of an explosion in one of the ovens.

The incident happened in a ground floor extension of the factory and the damage was confined to the oven which is used for gasket sheet manufacturing.

Initial reports said that two people had been taken to hospital with minor injuries, but this morning the West Yorkshire Fire Service confirmed that 13 people had gone to hospital for precautionary check-ups.

Fire crews, using specialist equipment attended the scene, and a fire investigation officer was also in attendance.

A statement from the company on its Facebook community page said: “We can confirm that at approximately 8:20pm, on Monday March 4, 2013, an incident occurred at Flexitallic Ltd, Hunsworth Lane, Cleckheaton. Initial investigations indicate an explosion occurred in the manufacturing area. Night shift staff have been safely evacuated. Members of Flexitallic staff were taken to hospital as a precaution. Emergency services are in attendance, along with members of the Flexitallic senior management team.”

* Did you hear the explosion? Call our newsroom on 01274 874635 or email [email protected].