UK: 4 killed in major explosion in Avonmouth

LONDON (AA) – Four people have been killed in a major explosion at a water treatment works in Avonmouth near Bristol, British police said Thursday evening.

The explosion took place shortly before midday local time and emergency teams rushed to the scene, declaring it a “serious incident”.

A police spokesman said the incident has not been treated as a terror attack.

Chief Inspector Mark Runacres said: “Officers remain at the scene and are likely to be for some time as we work together with other agencies in dealing with this major incident.

“A cordon has been set up and we’d advise members of the public to avoid the area at this time where possible to allow the emergency services to carry out their work.

“Police enquiries into exactly what happened are at a very early stage and are continuing.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted: “Deeply saddened to learn that four people have lost their lives in the water works explosion in Avonmouth.”

“Our hearts go out to the victims and their families. Thank you to the emergency services who attended the scene,” he added.