Fatal explosion on Laing O'Rourke site

A gas cylinder explosion at a Laing O’Rourke site killed one construction worker and injured seven others yesterday.

O’Rourke’s Crown House division is main contractor on the data centre job near Welwyn Garden City.

The cause of the explosion is not confirmed, but early indications suggest a gas canister used in fire suppression systems exploded on site.

A statement from Laing O’Rourke said: “It is with regret that Laing O’Rourke confirms that an employee was killed and a further seven injured in an incident yesterday at its construction project site in Welwyn Garden City. The project is being built by Crown House Data Solutions, a Laing O’Rourke company.”

Of the injured employees, two remain in a more serious, but stable condition and have been retained in hospital.  The others have all been treated and discharged.

The name of the deceased has not been released.

“This is a tragic event and our thoughts are with the family of our colleague who has tragically lost his life and with those who have been injured,” said Liam Cummins, managing director of Crown House.  “I would also like to pay tribute to the emergency services who displayed exemplary professionalism in dealing with this incident.”

Police and the Health & Safety Executive are investigating.