MP: 'No stone should be unturned' in Middlesbrough steel explosion inquiry

Redcar MP Anna Turley said her 'heart went out' to the families of the workers who died after an explosion at the coke ovens site, formerly run by SSI, in Southbank, Middlesbrough.

Large plumes of smoke could be seen for miles around after the explosion at the coke ovens site. There were two further explosions in the afternoon and evening.

Emergency services are still at the scene and an exclusion zone remains in place, in what has been dubbed a major incident by police.

Ms Turley said: "Today’s news is absolutely devastating. All our thoughts and those of the whole community will be with the two workers who have been killed on site. No one should ever go to work and not come home. It is absolutely horrendous and my heart goes out to them and their families.

Smoke still billows from coke ovens following an explosion which killed two men. Picture: Nick Taylor

"This should never have happened. There will, of course, now be a full investigation by the police and the relevant authorities. They must leave no stone unturned to find out how on earth this could have happened. I will be following this very closely. There must be total accountability and a complete review of what is happening on the site.

"My thanks go to our emergency services who, as ever, have been exceptional."

The scene at the former SSI steelworks on Friday morning following an explosion which killed two men. Picture: Nick Taylor

Councillor Mary Lanigan, leader of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said: “I know everyone in the whole community will be devastated by this tragedy. Our deepest sympathies and thoughts are with the families and friends. Our gratitude, as always, goes to the emergency services.”

And Carl Quartermain, leader of the council's Labour group, added: "Such sad and tragic news. Our hearts go out to the families of these two men."