One man killed in Peterborough firework factory explosion

The explosion happened at the Le Maitre factory in Fourth Drove, Fengate at 10.37am yesterday (Tuesday).

One man was airlifted to hospital suffering what were described as ‘severe burns.’

However, police have today confirmed the tragic news that one man was killed in the incident.

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue said two people had needed treatment following the explosion - although the East of England Ambulance have not provided details about the second person.

Police and the Health and Safety Executive are carrying out an investigation into the accident - although yesterday police confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident.

The case has now been passed to the coroner.

A worker was killed in a previous incident at Le Maitre in 1990.

Michael Darroch, 27, was packing a giant firework with a mixture of gunpowder and titanium when it blew up, killing him instantly. The company admitted at Peterborough Crown Court to failing to ensure the safety of an employee and was fined £15,000. The court was told Le Maitre had been fined £2,000 after a separate accident in 1988, in which another employee died while fitting fuses to display fireworks.

The Peterborough Telegraph has contacted Le Maitre for comment about yesterday’s incident.