12-hour blaze at submarine factory that sparked Russian sabotage fears was caused by sand-blaster exploding

A BLAZE astatine a submarine mill was caused by a sand-blaster detonation that ignited rubber tiles connected a £1.3billion vessel.

The immense occurrence dispersed done highly flammable tiles glued to the hull of nuclear sub HMS Agincourt.

The tiles are designed to dampen the sub’s sounds and sorb force sonar but they are made of a highly combustible foam-like polymer.

A root said: “It was a spot similar burning tyres, but worse.”

The 12-hour blaze astatine BAE Systems’ works successful Barrow, Cumbria sparked fears of Russian sabotage.

But aggregate sources person since said it was an concern accident.

The Sun understands a compressor powering a sand-blaster exploded conscionable aft midnight connected Wednesday.

Two nighttime displacement workers and 5 BAE firefighters were taken to infirmary and the submarine was severely damaged.

Residents were told to adjacent windows and doors to debar toxic fumes.

Defence Minister Maria Eagle said determination was nary atomic risk.