Fire at Barrow-in-Furness Nuclear Submarine Shipyard Sends Two to Hospital

A significant fire broke out at BAE Systems’ nuclear submarine shipyard in Cumbria, resulting in two individuals being taken to the hospital.

Large flames and heavy smoke were emanating from the Barrow-in-Furness facility, where the UK’s new Dreadnought submarines, worth billions, are under construction.

According to Cumbria police, there was no nuclear threat posed by the fire. However, two people were hospitalized due to suspected smoke inhalation.

BAE stated that the two individuals sent to the hospital were employees at the site and have since been discharged. Around 200 workers were on the night shift when the fire began.

This six-acre site, prominent in Cumbria’s skyline for almost four decades, ranks among the largest and most advanced shipbuilding facilities globally. Opened in 1986, Devonshire Dock Hall is the UK’s main construction site for the Trident nuclear program.

It’s believed that the vessel in the dock at the time of the fire was HMS Agincourt, whose completion had already been pushed to 2026. The preceding Astute-class submarine, HMS Agamemnon, was launched just last month. It’s unclear whether any submarines sustained damage in the fire.

The Ministry of Defence has been asked for a statement. Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the fire’s origin.

BAE is expected to initiate its own investigation into the fire’s cause. The rest of the site remains open and fully operational.

Image credit: Independent. All rights reserved.