Four Confirmed Dead In Oil Refinery Blaze

Authorities have confirmed that four workers have died after a major explosion at an oil refinery in Wales.

Fire crews were called to the blaze at Chevron, Pembroke Dock, shortly before 6.30pm.

"Paramedics have confirmed that four people lost their lives as a result of the incident," Dyfed Powys Police Chief Superintendent Gwyn Thomas said.

"Officers are now in the processes of informing the next of kin and will support the families throughout this difficult time. Our thoughts are now with the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased."

Five fire appliances attended the blaze immediately and other specialist units were later sent.

"The fire was a result of an explosion in an 730 cubic metres storage tank whilst maintenance work was carried out, damage was also caused to an adjacent storage tank," Assistant Chief Fire Officer Chris Davies said.

Crews extinguished the blaze and set about cooling the plant ahead of an official investigation.

Plant operator Chevron later revealed that the four workers were not staff employees.

"We can confirm that four contractor colleagues died in the incident and a further one is receiving treatment in a hospital for serious injuries," Chevron said in a statement.

Three ambulances and the Welsh air ambulance are also at the site.

Staff at Milford Haven Coastguard, which is based across a stretch of water from the refinery, heard an explosion and saw a plume of black smoke, which later died down.

A spokesman said: "There was a bang that was heard and there was smoke billowing."

A spokesman for Chevron said: "At 18:20 local time on June 2 2011 an incident occurred at the Pembroke Refinery.

"Emergency services were called and responded immediately and remain on the scene.

"The fire has been extinguished.

"We are taking appropriate action to respond to the situation. We are still in the process of accounting for all personnel."

According to the company website, the Pembroke Dock refinery specialises in processing heavy, lower quality crudes.