Fatal Fire At Military Factory Near Salisbury

Chemring Countermeasures plant is based near Salisbury (Picture: Google Maps).

One person has been killed and another is in a critical condition after a blast at a Chemring Countermeasures plant.

The firm is a leading UK defence supplier, which makes flares, decoys and other products to protect military ships and aircraft from attack, including systems for the Eurofighter Typhoon jet.

Wiltshire Police said emergency services were called to the plant in Netton just after 5pm on Friday August 10, following reports of an explosion in a flare manufacturing building.

A Police spokesman said: "An initial fire on site has been extinguished." 

"We have two casualties that have been identified. One of them sadly died at the scene and the other has been taken to hospital in a critical condition."

A 29-year-old man from Southampton was later confirmed to have died.

Wiltshire Police said it was investigating the explosion with health and safety officers, and reassured the public that they faced no further risk.

Chemring business director, Andy Hogben, said the firm has also started an investigation and expressed their commiseration. 

“The thoughts and support of Chemring Group are with the families at this time."