Oil refinery blast kills four

Safety

Oil refinery blast kills four

03 Jun, 2011

Published over 15 years ago. See the latest and most current information on Safety.

Four people have died in an explosion in an oil refinery in Wales, sparking a safety inquiry.

An investigation into the blast at Chevron refinery in Pembroke is now underway but early reports suggest that the explosion occurred in a storage tank as maintenance was being carried out, killing four workers.

A fifth contractor has suffered serious burns and was taken to hospital for treatment.

"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," said chief superintendent Gwyn Thomas, of Dyfed Powys Police.

He described the blast at the oil refinery as a "tragic industrial incident".

Witnesses at the scene described a huge plume of thick black smoke which filled the sky and locals expressed their concern for those killed and injured in the blast.

PIN 27.2 Apr/May 2026

Explore our Digital Edition

Discover the latest news and research

Digital edition

Explore Our Other Sites

Labmate Online
Pan-European One Health network targets infectious disease threats
Explore more Arrow
Envirotech Online
Rack-mountable FTIR gas analyser for integrated multi-gas analysis in fixed measurement systems
Explore more Arrow
Pollution Solutions Online
Queen’s University Belfast leads £2.9 million international project to combat Malaysia’s growing e-waste crisis
Explore more Arrow
Chromatography Today
Chromatography and XFEL imaging reveal critical point behind water’s behaviour
Explore more Arrow