‘Significant Fire’ Hits UK Nuclear Submarine Site
Two people were hurt in the fire.
Oct 30, 2024 / GMT+6
A fire broke out at a UK submarine shipyard, injuring two people. Officials say there’s no nuclear risk, but nearby residents were told to stay inside and close windows.
More topics for you...This topic continues below.
China reports record $1.2 trillion trade surplus for 2025, defying Trump's tariffs.
A large fire broke out early Wednesday at a nuclear submarine shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, a town in northwest England. The fire started around 12:30 a.m. at BAE Systems, a company that builds nuclear submarines.
Two people were hurt in the fire. They are in the hospital and seem to have breathed in a lot of smoke, but they are expected to be okay. Local leaders have assured the community that there is no risk of a nuclear disaster.
Police have asked people living near the site to stay inside and keep their doors and windows closed as a safety measure. Emergency responders are working hard to control the fire. People living close to the fire have been safely evacuated, and everyone in the area has been accounted for.
Photos and videos on social media show smoke rising from the shipyard. The police call this fire “significant,” but they want people to know it does not put anyone at nuclear risk.
This fire happened while the UK is working to build more nuclear submarines. The government has plans to add four new Dreadnought-class submarines to its fleet in the 2030s.
These will replace older submarines and are designed to carry missiles that could hold nuclear warheads if needed. The Dreadnought class will be a key part of the UK’s defense for the future.
Recently, the UK also promised to spend £4 billion (about $5.2 billion) to develop a new kind of nuclear-powered submarine called the SSN-AUKUS. These submarines will also be built in Barrow-in-Furness, making the shipyard an important place for the UK’s defense efforts.
While the fire has caused some concern, police and emergency teams are doing everything they can to keep the community safe. Residents near the shipyard can expect updates from local officials as the situation is brought under control. No other injuries have been reported, and there is no impact on nuclear safety or the environment.
BAE Systems, the company running the shipyard, has not yet made a public statement, but they are working closely with emergency teams to handle the fire. This event is a reminder that working with advanced technology, especially in defense, carries some risk. However, emergency teams acted quickly, showing their commitment to public safety.
Right now, the focus is on making sure the area is safe and helping those affected by the fire. More details are expected as officials look into what caused the fire.
