Blast companies issue statement

Very little remains of the Stockline Plastics factory

The companies in charge of the factory at the centre of a fatal explosion in Glasgow, ICL Plastics and Stockline Plastics, have released the following statement.

The companies express our condolences to the families of those among our staff whose lives were taken in the tragic event at our manufacturing plant yesterday.

Our thoughts are also with those who have suffered serious injuries, and to their loved ones as they await their recovery.

All of us are deeply shocked by the incident, and relieved that so many people escaped serious injury.

We wish to pay tribute to the emergency services' personnel who responded so quickly to the incident, and who have worked so hard to save lives and rescue those who were trapped within the building after the explosion.

Their actions are testament to their hard work and dedication.

We also give thanks to the medical and nursing staff in Glasgow hospitals who are tending the injured.

Finally we wish to thank the local community and carers, including many of our staff, who have rallied round to offer and provide support at this dark time for everyone within the company.

ICL Plastics Ltd and Stockline Plastics Ltd are co-operating with the emergency services in their efforts to locate every person who was in the building at the time of the incident.

The cause of the apparent explosion, and extensive damage to the buildings, has not been confirmed.

We are working closely with the Health & Safety Executive and other relevant authorities to establish the cause in due course.

It would be inappropriate to comment further until the rescue operation is completed and the site is declared safe so that investigations can proceed."