Probe after power station demolition worker injured

Cottam power station closed after more than 50 years in 2019 and is being demolished in phases

A demolition firm has launched an investigation after a man was injured at the site of a decommissioned power station.

Cottam power station, near Retford in Nottinghamshire, closed on 30 September 2019 with its demolition ongoing.

East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) confirmed on Friday it deployed an ambulance and three paramedics to the site after being called at 09:03 GMT on 10 February, and a patient was subsequently airlifted to Sheffield Northern General Hospital.

A spokesperson for demolition contractor Brown & Mason Ltd said its worker "is being monitored by medical professionals and a full investigation is being carried out to understand the incident".

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has been notified of the incident, the demolition firm added.

Earlier demolition work taking place at the site

EDF Energy, which owns the site, said it was aware of the incident and added none of its staff were involved.

Only a small team from the energy company remain at the site since it was decommissioned.

Cottam first opened in 1968 and at its height, was capable of generating enough electricity for 3.7 million homes.

The plant was originally only designed to be operational for 30 years but its life was extended until September 2019.

Nottinghamshire Police said it was called at 09:18 after a report of an "industrial incident" and confirmed a man was taken to hospital.

The force added the HSE had "primacy over the investigation", however, a HSE spokesperson said it did not have a formal role in response to this incident "at this stage".

"Our position may change however should our inspectors receive a RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) report," they added.