Five people hurt in explosion at Asco offshore supply base in Peterhead

One person has been taken to hospital and four others were treated at the scene after an explosion at a supply base in Peterhead.

Emergency crews were called to the Asco Ltd South Base in the Burnhaven area at around 11am on Wednesday.

One person was taken by ambulance to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, and four others were treated at the scene.

In a statement later on Wednesday, Asco said the incident occurred when a silo, run by a tenant, ruptured – leading to around 3,000 barrels of calcium chloride brine to explode out.

The substance is non-toxic and inert, and is often used in the oil and gas drilling process.

All of the base’s operations have been suspended while an investigation to determine why the explosion happened is carried out.

The explosion appears to have happened in a silo. Newsline/Derek Ironside

A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We received a call at 10:51 on 21 June 2023 to attend an incident in the Burnhaven area, Peterhead.

“Three ambulances, our Special Operations Response Team (SORT), and a 3RU resource were dispatched to the scene.

“One patient was transported to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and four patients were treated and discharged at the scene.”

A spokesperson for the force said: “Around 11am on Wednesday, June 21, we were called to a report of an explosion at an industrial premises in the Burnhaven area of Peterhead.

“Emergency services are in attendance and the public are asked to avoid the area at this time.”

Emergency services remain at the scene. Newsline/Derek Ironside

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 11.03am on Wednesday, June 21 to reports of an incident at an industrial premises at South Bay, Peterhead.

“Operations Control mobilised two fire appliances and specialist resources to the area.

“Firefighters are assisting emergency service partners at the scene.”

More to follow…