London: A significant fire broke out early Wednesday at the BAE Systems nuclear submarine shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, northwest England, leaving two people hospitalised with suspected smoke inhalation, police confirmed.
No Nuclear Risk Reported
Local police assured the public that there was no nuclear risk from the incident, which occurred at 0044 GMT. Authorities have advised residents to stay indoors with doors and windows closed while emergency services work to contain the situation.
Images on social media revealed large flames and thick smoke rising from a tall white building at the shipyard, where Britain's nuclear submarines are manufactured.
Site Linked to the Trident and Dreadnought Programmes
The Barrow shipyard plays a key role in the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarine programme. It is responsible for the Vanguard Class submarines that support Britain's Trident nuclear deterrent and is currently constructing the Dreadnought Class submarines, which will replace the Vanguard fleet. The site is also completing the final vessels of the Astute Class, a series of seven nuclear-powered submarines.