Steam pipe explosion at dockyard

The dockyard said the explosion occurred in an enclosed area

A pipe rupture has caused a steam explosion at a dockyard in Devon.

The incident, at the Devonport yard in Plymouth, occurred at about 1000 GMT, when a rubber hose supplying steam to the Morice Yard area ruptured.

Small pieces of metal and rubber were scattered up to 30m (99ft) away. No-one was hurt, but witnesses said that it caused an "almighty bang".

Dockyard owner Babcock Marine said a full investigation was to take place into the cause of the explosion.

Temporary pipe

The rubber hose had been installed as a temporary repair whilst a new permanent section of pipe was being manufactured to carry steam, the dockyard said.

It added that the pipe had been of the correct specification and fitted according to manufacturer guidelines.

The dockyard said incident occurred in an enclosed and unoccupied area.

It said: "The steam supply was isolated within minutes of the incident and emergency services were called as a precautionary measure."

The South Western Ambulance Trust said an ambulance and a response car were despatched but stood down en route.

People nearby said that there was an "almighty bang".

One witness, who did not want to be named, said: "Debris was flying everywhere, bits of metal and rubber."

He added: "It was frightening really."