Tragedy struck Didcot A Power Station in Oxfordshire today when a building collapsed during demolition work, resulting in four deaths and a major rescue operation currently underway.
South Central Ambulance Service responded by dispatching their hazardous areas response team, three ambulances, and an air ambulance to the scene. A spokesperson confirmed, “We are describing it as a major incident.”
Chief fire officer Dave Etheridge described the event as a “very severe incident.” At this time, one person has been confirmed dead, five others injured, and three remain missing. Etheridge expressed, “Absolute sympathy and deep thoughts to all the families involved. We are doing our very best to secure the return of their loved ones as soon as we can.”
A statement from RWE Generation UK confirmed the collapse occurred shortly after 4pm while demolition work was in progress. The company confirmed that one person is dead, four people have been hospitalised, and three remain unaccounted for and missing. RWE added, “Our thoughts are with the families of all those involved in this tragedy. We will provide updates as we receive them.”
Thames Valley Police are present at the scene but have withheld further details until the next of kin have been informed.
Originally published by UKNIP.
