Calor: Apologies for 17-tonne gas spill

Calor, a firm which manufacturers gas canisters for free-standing heaters, has apologised for spilling 17 tonnes of gas on Canvey Island in the Thames estuary last October.

Overall, a total of 163 tonnes of liquefied gas was accidentally emitted by the firm's Thames Road plant, but the majority of it was trapped in a pipeline following the activation of a shut-off valve, the firm claims.

The company has stated that since the incident, its gas detection equipment has been upgraded and its shutdown system improved in the event of another gas leak, the Essex Echo reports.

Spokesman for Calor Andrew Ford stated: "Safety remains our top priority. We are totally committed to continuing to run the Canvey terminal safely and effectively."

The Health and Safety Executive is currently conducting a full report into the incident.

Calor supplies products for those searching for alternatives to mains-connected gas appliances, such as barbecues, free-standing heaters, cookers and fires.