Secretary in rescue drama (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Secretary in rescue drama

AN explosion which tore through a breaker's yard at Minety has left a 37 year-old worker seriously injured.

The accident occured at 2.50pm on Thursday at Holland Handling where the owners have praised the quick thinking efforts of first-aider Julie Wheeler at the scene.

Police said dad-of-three David King was attempting to clean up an oil spill in the work yard using a 45 gallon barrel when gasses inside the drum exploded.

Sgt Richard Guy of Wootton Bassett police said: "It is believed Mr King intended to cut the barrel in two using an oxyacetylene torch so that he could use it as a receptacle for the spill.

"But one of the stoppers at the top had failed to be removed and as soon as the oxyacetylene cutters burst into the barrel the gasses, which remained from the petrol-type fluid which had previously been inside it, exploded."

The barrel's detached top struck Mr King's legs and a fire flash caused another employee to suffer minor deafness.

Other workers heard the loud bang and police and fire crews were directed to the scene.

Mr King was rushed to Princess Margaret hospital in Swindon where he underwent emergency treatment to a shattered right leg and a broken left leg.

He was later transferred to a hospital in Oxford for further treatment and care.

John Holland, who runs the family business in Queen's Street, told the Standard: "This was a very unfortunate accident indeed and everyone's thoughts are first and foremost with David's family.

"He is a most valued employee who has been with us for 15 years and we all know him and his family very well."

Mr Holland said that in 20 years of trading this was the first accident that had occured at the premises.

"We are all shocked at what has happened and we understand that David's operation went well. Now we will just have to wait and see what happens."

Mr Holland praised the first-aid skills of secretary Julie, 49, who rushed to help Mr King before ambulance paramedics arrived at the scene.

He said: "The way Julie handled the situation was fantastic. She was a huge help and comfort to David and kept him calm."

Julie, who has been at Holland Handling for 20 years, added: "The firm believes in sending us on first-aid courses and the training just automatically kicked in when I saw David lying there.

"I supported his head and checked for sharp objects but although he was very brave he was clearly in a lot of pain."

Police said the Health and Safety Executive based at Basingstoke had been informed of the accident.

HSE spokesman Nadia Nuaimi, told the Standard: "I can confirm there will be a site investigation starting this week at Holland Handling into the cause of the accident."

Caption: First-aider Julie Wheeler of Holland Handling who treated David King after he was injured in an explosion.