A man has been killed and three others rushed to hospital after a suspected explosion tore through an industrial unit on Brunel Road in Bedford on Thursday afternoon. Bedfordshire Police said officers were called to the scene at around 3.50pm following reports of the blast. One local who was nearby posted on social media: "It sounded like a bomb going off." Another witness described hearing "an explosion of some sort, followed by the sound of lots of debris falling."
In a statement, the force confirmed that one man died at the scene and three others were taken to hospital to receive medical treatment. An initial cordon put in place for public safety has since been removed, and all surrounding roads have been reopened. Officers are expected to remain on site until the investigation is handed over to the Health and Safety Executive in due course.
“One man died and three were taken to hospital after a suspected explosion in Bedford, police say.”
Police have urged people not to speculate about the incident on social media, out of respect for the family and friends of those involved.