Emergency services "highly unlikely" to find anyone else alive at Didcot Power Station

RESCUE workers say they are now "highly unlikely" to find anyone else alive following the collapse of a building at Didcot Power Station. 

One person died and five more were taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford after the 10-story high building was reduced to a pile of rubble within seconds. 

Another 40 were treated at the scene for dust inhalation.

A major incident was declared at the decommissioned Didcot A station in Oxfordshire just after 4pm on Tuesday (February 23) after eye witnesses reported a loud bang and a large cloud of smoke at the site.

Emergency services are continuing the rescue effort having been searching for signs of life since yesterday afternoon using sniffer dogs and drones in the rescue effort.

The families of the missing workers have visited the site supported by Family Liaison Officers from Thames Valley Police. 

Earlier today Chief Fire Officer Dave Etheridge from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said that at the it is highly unlikely the three missing workers will still be alive.

He added: “We remain committed and determined to return the missing people to their families, and work continues overnight.

“We are working with structural engineers and demolition experts to establish a safe way of working on site. In addition the military is supporting the search for the missing people.

"They will be using a mini remote control vehicle to assist with the search for survivors at the site.

"This provides us with enhanced capability and their equipment and expertise will be invaluable.”

Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable Scott Chilton said: “We are continuing to work with the Health and Safety Executive and all the emergency services to understand the cause of this incident.”

South Central Ambulance Service remains on site to deal with any recovered casualties.

Four of the five men admitted to hospital have now been discharged with one remaining in a serious but stable condition.

It is thought that workers were preparing the site for demolition, before the building collapsed.

However it is understood that demolition of the site was not due to be carried out until later in the year.

The station was closed in March 2013 following 43 years of service followed by the demolition of three of the six cooling towers in July 2014.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue has said the dust from the site is not hazardous however the fire service is advising nearby residents to remain in doors.

The following number has been set up for concerned relatives 0121 3252424.