Blast survivor 'dived in puddle'

Blast survivor 'dived in puddle'

The accident came after efforts to "tap" a transformer

The survivor of an explosion at a Teesside power station dived into a puddle to douse himself, an inquest heard.

Graeme White, 39, from Billingham, Teesside, saw colleagues struggle to adjust a 16,000 volt transformer at the Wilton plant when he heard a loud bang.

A fireball erupted from the device, instantly killing Andrew Sherwood, 36, and Darren Higgins, 28, in August 2001, Teesside Coroner's Court heard.

Paul Surtees, 41, died later at Middlesbrough General Hospital after suffering 90% burns.

Mr White said: "I was in flames. My whole body was in flames."

Extensive injuries

He jumped in a nearby pool of water formed by the activation of the plant's sprinkler system to extinguish the flames around his body.

Mr White attended the inquest wearing a large bandage around his right hand, and told the inquest that he had recently had further surgery for his extensive injuries.

Earlier, operating technician James Cunningham told of his "misgivings" when senior managers decided to "tap" the transformer at the 27-acre plant - which provides 4% of Britain's electricity and was then owned by Enron.

Site manager Ian Clifford acknowledged at Wednesday's inquest that there had been a "departure from procedure" when it was decided to carry out the work.

The hearing was adjourned until Thursday.