Two people missing in firework factory fire – video

Two people are missing and at least four others have been injured after an explosion at a firework factory in Stafford yesterday evening.

Eight fire engines and 50 fire officers were sent to tackle the blaze after residents reported hearing an explosion before flames began to engulf the building at Baswich Industrial Estate.

Staffordshire Police say they have arrested a 53-year-old man in connection with the fire.

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"There were fireworks going off in all directions, bangs, great plumes of black smoke," one eyewitness told the BBC.

"The flames were sky-high. For 45 minutes to an hour it was horrendous and you could not help but watch it," one resident told The Guardian.

Two people were rushed to hospital suffering from severe burns and smoke inhalation while two others were treated at the scene. Another person, who has not been publicly named, remains unaccounted for.

Police evacuated several neighbouring houses and businesses, while other residents were told to remain inside with their windows closed. A number of roads in the area were also closed.

"This is a fireworks factory and there are chemicals and things so we are not entirely sure yet what we are dealing with," West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman Steve Wheaton told Sky News.

Police and fire officers are continuing to investigate the cause of the blaze. Superintendent Jane Hewett told the BBC: "Sadly at this stage we believe there is a person unaccounted for and our focus remains tracing those at the factory shortly before the explosion."

She said the cause of the explosion still remains unclear and urged anyone with any information to contact Staffordshire police.