Industrial unit death involved oxygen cylinders

A man has died in an industrial incident involving a "high pressure release of oxygen" that came from a set containing 12 cylinders, the fire service said.

Emergency services were called to Future Automation on Brunel Road in Bedford at about 15:20 BST on Thursday.

Bedfordshire Police was initially called to reports of a suspected explosion, with nearby residents describing hearing a loud bang.

The force said a man in his 30s was pronounced dead at the scene, while a second man was taken to hospital as a "precaution".

Several other people were also assessed by paramedics.

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said a large cordon was put in place until the cylinders were fully vented.

A Health and Safety Executive spokesperson said: "We are making enquiries alongside Bedfordshire Police as part of a joint investigation."

A police spokesperson said: "Our thoughts are with the victim's loved ones at this sad time."

The fire service added: "Firefighters used gas monitors to check gas readings and a thermal imaging camera to check for hot spots.

"Casualties were left with the ambulance service and the incident was handed over to the police."

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