Heartbreaking: 4 killed in Somerset factory explosion; two found dead hours later in the rubble…..Read more

Heartbreaking Tragedy: 4 Killed in Somerset Factory Explosion, Two Found Dead Hours Later in Rubble

Somerset, UK – May 20, 2025 — A devastating explosion ripped through an industrial factory in Somerset late Monday afternoon, leaving four people dead and several others injured. Authorities have confirmed that two of the victims were found hours after the blast, buried beneath the smoldering rubble.

Emergency services were called to the scene just after 3:45 PM, following reports of a loud explosion that shook buildings and sent thick plumes of smoke billowing into the sky. The incident occurred at the Wessex Manufacturing Plant, a longstanding local employer specializing in chemical processing equipment.

Witnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as workers scrambled for safety. “It was like a bomb had gone off,” said Claire Huntley, a nearby resident. “The windows shook, and then there was silence, followed by screaming.”

Fire and rescue crews, along with search and recovery teams, worked through the night amid hazardous conditions, including the risk of secondary explosions. It wasn’t until early Tuesday morning that they recovered the bodies of two workers who had been unaccounted for since the explosion. The other two victims died at the scene.

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation, but early indications suggest it may have originated in a storage area containing volatile materials. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and local police have launched a joint inquiry.

“Our hearts go out to the families and colleagues of those who have tragically lost their lives,” said Chief Inspector Daniel Rhodes of the Avon and Somerset Police. “We are doing everything possible to determine what happened and to ensure the safety of the remaining structure.”

Several others were treated for injuries ranging from burns to inhalation of toxic smoke, with at least two workers remaining in critical condition at Southmead Hospital in Bristol.

The incident has shaken the small Somerset community, where the factory employed over 80 people. Local leaders and residents have begun organizing vigils and support groups for the victims’ families.

“This is a dark day for Somerset,” said Mayor Evelyn Grant. “We stand together in grief and resolve. Our community will support those affected in any way we can.”

As the investigation continues, the Wessex Manufacturing Plant will remain closed, and surrounding areas have been cordoned off as a precaution.

Further updates are expected in the coming days as authorities sift through the wreckage in search of answers — and as a mourning town comes to terms with a tragedy that will not soon be forgotten.