By Tom Mitchell
EDP24
11/09/2006
An investigation was launched today into an explosion at a chicken-feed factory in Norfolk.
The blast tore through a boiler at Grampian Country Foods, Stoke Ferry, near Downham Market, in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Residents told the EDP they had been "blown out of their beds" by the force of the explosion, which is said to have caused minor damage to the factory.
One villager, who did not wish to be named, said today: "Houses were literally shaking. We were told a gas boiler had exploded, blowing doors out and parts of the roof off.
"Had anyone actually been there at the time, they could have been killed."
The Scottish-based company today described the incident as "minor" and said a full investigation had been launched.
Staff at the factory work are on site at all times but no-one is believed to have been hurt in the blast.
The company spokesman said: "There was a minor explosion in boiler. It was contained within the boiler and at no time was there any risk to the public.
"The feed mill has people on site 24 hours-a-day, there was some minor damage to the building."
He confirmed an internal investigation was underway into the blast and said the various authorities had been informed of the incident.
Emergency services were not called.
