Work has resumed at Asco Peterhead today following the dramatic collapse of a silo that left one man in hospital.
Fire, ambulance and police were scrambled to the firm’s South Base yard at about 11am on Wednesday following reports of an “explosion”.
Five people were injured – with one man taken to hospital and four treated at the scene.
It is understood the silo is owned by Tetra.
Today, Asco confirmed that 3,000 barrels of calcium chloride brine – a non-toxic chemical used for oil and gas drilling – spilled out of the container when it went down.
Pictures from the scene show the large silver tank crumpled in bits, with a large dent in the neighbouring one.
Asco thanks emergency services for response
In a statement on LinkedIn, Asco said: “First and foremost, thankfully, no one has sustained life-threatening injuries.
“The safety of our colleagues remains our highest priority, and following our emergency response plan, all on-site personnel were evacuated safely.
“Furthermore, operations were temporarily halted on-site and are now returning in a safely controlled and staged manner.
“The emergency services attended on site promptly and efficiently and we’d like to thank them for their support.
“We are investigating the cause of the incident with the owner of the tank and co-ordinating with all parties involved.”
Investigation launched into the accident
The Health and Safety Executive has confirmed it is making inquiries into the incident along with Police Scotland.
Tetra has not responded to requests for comment.
Witness to the disaster told The Press and Journal yesterday: “When I looked up I saw the tanker coming down and the liquid going everywhere.
“The ambulances arrived first, then the fire service and police, all within 10 minutes.
“It looks like there is quite a lot of damage. I know someone from the other side of town who heard it and thought it was thunder too.”