Accident at Briar Chemicals kills one

EMERGENCY services were called to reports of an explosion at 15:10 local time on 27 July at Briar Chemicals, Norwich, UK.

A worker, Rob Cranston was taken to hospital with severe injuries and later died. He was employed by the pipework and steelwork firm Pruce Newman at the Briar Chemicals site. Another man was taken to hospital suffering from shock.

Police have confirmed that the incident was not chemicals related and that there were no further risks to site workers or the public. The Chemical Engineer contacted Briar Chemicals for details but were told that no further information was available beyond what’s in the company’s statement.

Briar Chemicals said in a statement: “There has been a terrible accident on site. One of our colleagues, Rob Cranston, tragically lost his life yesterday … and the company extends its deepest sympathies to all affected. Rob was a hugely liked and much valued colleague and friend and everyone at the company is devasted by his loss. We are fully co-operating with the Police and the Health & Safety Executive and the investigation is ongoing. Manufacturing operations are currently suspended.”

Briar Chemicals provides contract manufacturing services to the agrochemical and speciality chemical sectors.