THE 50-year-old man severely burnt in an explosion at a scrap metal yard on an industrial estate in Poole - believed to be a partner in the business - is still fighting for his life in hospital.

Staff were back at Reliance scrap metal merchants in Nuffield Road, Nuffield Estate, yesterday after two oxygen gas cylinders exploded on Monday.

The two men who were working with the cylinder at about 8.45am were taken to Poole Hospital with serious burns.

A 64-year-old man died in the afternoon and the 50-year-old was later transferred to the burns unit of Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead, Sussex.

Firefighters created a 200 yard no-entry zone around the area and were on the scene until 4pm on Monday, ensuring the site was safe.

They had to cool down other oxygen cylinders on the yard - which recycles scrap metal - as well as dousing the two that exploded.

Spokeswoman for Dorset Fire and Rescue Carolyn Cox said: "Water hose reel jets were used on the cylinders that had not yet exploded because the gas inside could have been like a bomb."

She also explained that firefighters had to clear away the toxic run-off caused by making the cylinders inert.

She added: "We scaled down our operations by about 4pm. There may be criminal implications so the incident will now be dealt with by the police."

Fire investigation officers, the police and government's health and safety executive will now work together to decide if Reliance scrap metal is to be prosecuted for the industrial incident.

About 150 people were evacuated from 10 businesses surrounding the area on Monday, but were allowed back to their work by 2.30pm. Roadblocks were in place up to Stinsford Road and Harwell Road until about 2.30pm.

After the explosion was heard a burning part of one of the cylinders - about 4ft long - flew 50 yards into the car park of a business in Morris Road.

First published: May 11