Investigation into chemical fire

The smoke could be seen for miles around. Picture by Dean Feasby

An investigation is under way into a blaze at a chemical works in Crewe, which sent smoke across the town.

The amount of smoke has reduced, but a 400-metre exclusion zone still exists around Aztec Chemicals on Crewe Gates Industrial Estate.

The fire is being treated as a major incident and Cheshire Fire Service warned people nearby to stay indoors.

The firm believes the fire began in a machine which shreds aerosol cans. Fire crews monitored the site overnight.

There were no reported injuries due to the fire, which is affecting two buildings on the estate.

'Everybody out quickly'

Firefighters have now managed to cool down nearby gas cylinders containing liquid petroleum gas.

At its height 85 firefighters were at the scene along with six special appliances, a hazardous materials unit, an aerial appliance and a foam tanker.

Initially a 200m exclusion zone was imposed, but this was extended because of the volume of smoke leading to factories and businesses being evacuated.

Aztec Chemicals spokesman Karl Chadwick said: "If you looked at the fire about 10 minutes after it started, anybody who was in there would have no chance.

"But we got everybody out very quickly and as far as we know nobody in the surrounding area has been injured."

Eye-witnesses reported hearing popping sounds from the plant.

As we know nobody in the surrounding area has been injured at all Karl Chadwick, Aztec Chemicals The blaze in pictures

Hugh Wilson, who is a student at the nearby South Cheshire College, said: "We saw a huge amount of smoke going up into the sky and that was when we were about three miles away from where we are now.

"When we were getting close it was like a tornado, it was just twisting, there was just so much smoke.

"It's just absolutely huge. I can't explain the smell but it's not very nice when you get close up."

Cheshire Police said the evacuated properties were industrial and business premises and did not include homes or schools.

A spokesman added: "Outside the exclusion zone, the advice for people walking into the path of the smoke from the fire is to find shelter indoors and keep windows and doors closed."

Motorists were advised to avoid roads in the area and Crewe town centre.