Vauxhall worker rushed to hospital with chemical burns

Eyewitnesses said they saw smoke bellowing from the Vauxhall garage on Shipston Close in Blackpole after a chemical explosion in a van.

A man in his 20s, a subcontractor for Vauxhall, was rushed to Worcestershire Royal Hospital for chemical burns on his face and hands.

Vauxhall said it could not comment at this time, and an internal investigation is being carried out.

READ MORE: Live updates as ambulance rushes to help woman in city centre road

One ambulance, one fire engine and four police cars had filled the road. (Image: NQ)

Ambulance, police and firefighters rushed to the scene at around 9.40am this morning (Friday) after reports of an explosion.

A West Midlands Ambulance spokesperson said: “We were called at 9.41am to a small explosion nearby to Shipston Close, Worcester.

"One ambulance and a paramedic officer attended the scene.

"Upon arrival, ambulance staff found a man with non-life-threatening injuries. He received treatment at the scene and was conveyed to Worcestershire Royal Hospital for further treatment.”

READ MORE: 'Wilko closing would be a great loss for the city': Shoppers fear over store's future

The incident took place on Shipston Close. (Image: NQ)

It is believed the explosion was caused by a hot ember coming into contact with paint thinners used for spraying, fire services have said.

One eyewitness said they saw one ambulance, one fire engine and four police cars filling the small industrial estate road.

A Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “HWFR was called out to a report of a person suffering with burns in Worcester at 9.51am today.

“One Worcester Fire Station crew attended Shipston Close after a call from the ambulance service.

“A small chemical explosion in the rear of a van had resulted in minor burns for a man in his 20s who was left in the care of the ambulance crew.

“There was no fire, and a firefighter wearing breathing apparatus investigated the scene to assess any possible hazards.

“It is believed the explosion was caused by a hot ember coming into contact with paint thinners used for spraying.

“The police  also attended the scene, and the HWFRS crew left the incident at 10.45am.”

A West Mercia Police spokesperson added: "We were called to a business address on Shipston Close, Worcester, after the ambulance service contacted us to say that a man had suffered chemical burns at 9.50am this morning.

"Fire services are investigating the incident, and there will be no further police involvement."