GlaxoSmithKline’s Scottish plant rocked by explosion, four hurt

GlaxoSmithKline’s Irvine-based factory in North Ayshire, Scotland has been damaged by an explosion that has injured four people.

The company said that two employees, aged 51 and 45, suffered burns in the incident and two other men were suffering from shock.

A GlaxoSmithKline spokeswomen said the blast occurred just before 07:00 GMT at its Shewalton Road manufacturing plant.
Some reports claim one side of the factory building has been blown off by the blast.

The explosion took place in the plant’s Actives facility, where raw chemicals used in the production of malaria and HIV drugs are treated.

The facility produces Wellvone, a drug for chest infections and malaria treatment Malarone.

A spokeswoman for GlaxoSmithKline said the facility had been shut down as a result but production on other areas of the site continues.

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