Man dies after toxic gas escape at Lincolnshire factory

Mr Doyley's children said he was a devoted father

A man who was injured in a gas escape following an explosion at a North East Lincolnshire factory has died.

Cristal Global employee Paul Doyley, 48, from Immingham, was one of three people hurt in the incident at the plant near Grimsby on 5 March.

Mr Doyley's children, 17-year-old twins Aimee and Liam, have described their father as a "genuine, wonderful and supportive person".

The company said he was a "well-liked and highly-respected colleague".

Mr Doyley and two other men suffered burns and inhaled toxic fumes after a pressurised container ruptured, releasing titanium tetrachloride fumes and liquid.

'Tragic time'

The Stallingborough plant, which specialises in making titanium-based products, is closed while an investigation takes place.

Mr Doyley was taken to Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield. His colleagues were taken to hospital in Grimsby.

In a statement, Mr Doyley's children thanked medical staff and their father's work colleagues and friends for their support.

Three men were injured after a pressurised container ruptured

They said: "Paul was a devoted father, brother and son and a genuine, wonderful and supportive person to all who knew him.

"In his spare time he was a constant supporter of Grimsby Town Football Club and kept himself fit as an active member of the Lincolnshire Wolds Vets Running Club, combined with a keen interest in amateur boxing.

"He enjoyed travelling with his children and was a keen railway enthusiast."

Cristal Global said it was "deeply saddened" to hear of Mr Doyley's death.

The company's site director, Lynton Simmonds, said: "Paul was a very well-liked and highly-respected colleague and our hearts go out to his family at this tragic time."

Mr Doyley had worked with the company, whose site is on the banks of the River Humber, for 20 years.

The Health and Safety Executive is investigating and employees are being offered counselling.

An internal inquiry by Cristal Global found warning procedures followed on 5 March had met standard requirements.