WORKERS at Uskmouth Power Station had to be evacuated after an explosion in the building.

Fire crews were called to the three-storey building at around 6.40am on Monday, April 3, and used a hydraulic pump and hand-held extinguishers to bring the blaze under control.

No workers were in the immediate area but the building was evacuated and cordoned off.

Fire crews from Duffryn, Malpas and Maindee were on site until around 8.40am.

A spokeswoman for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said part of a roof and wall collapsed in the explosion, which was accidental.

A spokesman for SIMEC said: "We can confirm that an explosion occurred in the station switch room of SIMEC Uskmouth Power station, Newport, at around 6:30am on Monday, April 3.

"There were no staff in the vicinity and no injuries.

"As a precaution, the area was immediately cordoned off and, in line with our established safety procedure, staff were evacuated from the site while the fire service dealt with the matter. Fire officers gave the all clear within 90 minutes.

"There was some damage to the wall of the room where the incident occurred with some broken glass in adjacent sections.

"SIMEC is investigating and repairing the damaged area.

"We’re grateful to the South Wales Fire Service for their swift and effective response to this incident.”

A spokesperson for Health and Safety Executive said: "We are aware of this incident and we are making enquiries into the circumstances."