Explosion and fire at giant UK oil refinery

FIRE broke out yesterday at an oil re- finery that supplies a sixth of the UK’S petrol and diesel.

An explosion was heard from as far as eight miles away, with flames and thick smoke seen across Ellesmere Port, in Cheshire.

Despite the fire Stanlow Oil Refinery reported no disruption to operations. Staff at the site were evacuated and accounted for after emergency services were called at 2.16pm yesterday, Cheshire Fire Service said. It is believed the fire started inside a manufacturing building within the plant.

The refinery employs more than 900 staff and 500 on-site contractors, according to operator Essar Oil UK. Six fire engines attended the scene in Oil Site Road. The Environment Agency said it was working with the fire service to prevent any harmful environmental effects.

The refinery produces 4.4 billion litres of diesel, 3 billion litres of petrol and 2 billion litres of jet fuel annually.