Worker in hospital after explosion at Peterhead offshore supply base

Police Scotland said the incident involved chemicals but there was no wider risk

A worker was taken to hospital after being injured in an explosion at an offshore supply base in Peterhead.

Emergency services were called to the site in the Burnhaven area owned by industrial firm Asco at about 11:00.

The firm said a silo had ruptured causing the loss of 3,000 barrels of calcium chloride brine - a non-toxic chemical used for oil and gas drilling.

The man was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and four others were treated at the scene as a precaution.

The Scottish Ambulance Service sent three ambulances and a special operations response team.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said two fire appliances and specialist resources had also been dispatched.

Asco said the injured man was a third-party contractor and all workers were accounted for.

It said the site had been evacuated and operations were temporarily halted as a precaution.

Asco said all workers at the site were accounted for

Police Scotland said officers had been called out to "a report of an explosion" and the Health and Safety Executive had been informed.

A spokesperson said: "Officers will remain at the premises until structures have been assessed and declared safe.

"Although chemicals were involved in the incident, there is no risk to the wider community and decontamination procedures are in place for those present."

Environment agency Sepa also said it had responded to the incident.

In a statement, it said: "Officers are continuing to liaise with emergency services and partners to assess any potential environmental impacts."

Asco's Peterhead operation provides warehousing, office accommodation and cargo and liquid storage.

An Asco spokesperson said: "Emergency services attended the site and Asco has implemented its emergency response plan.

"The safety of our colleagues is our overriding concern,

"The cause of the incident is not currently known. Asco is coordinating with the relevant authorities and stakeholders."