Worker dies after blast at recycling plant

Investigations were launched following the blast at Sterecycle in Sheffield Road, Rotherham, which happened when a pressure vessel failed.

Two workers were freed by firefighters following the explosion at around 2.40pm.

But a 42-year-old man who was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary died later. He was named this morning as father of three Michael Whinfrey, from Wickersley, Rotherham.

Peter Davis, 51, from Hoyland Common, Barnsley, was taken by ambulance to the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield with serious head and body injuries. His condition today is described as serious but stable

A police spokesman said: "Investigators from South Yorkshire Police and the Health and Safety Executive are currently at the scene with enquiries ongoing into the cause of the explosion."

The blast left Sheffield Road closed between the Ickles roundabout and the M1 motorway for most of yesterday afternoon.

A spokesman for Sterecyle, which treats both household and commercial waste, said the incident involved a "sudden loss of pressure, as a result of the failure of one of the pressure vessels used in the waste treatment process."

The spokesman added: "There was some damage to the side of the building housing the pressure vessels.

"The company initiated its emergency procedures immediately and medical attention was provided as quickly as possible."

Operations at the plant were suspended until a full investigation into the incident had been carried out.