Authorities take down cordon around Co Cork explosion site

The cordon surrounding the Irish Oxygen Plant in Waterfall, County Cork, has been lifted following an explosion there this morning.

The road was blocked off and neighbours were evacuated from their homes, due to concerns over asbestos sheeting in the roof.

The explosion happened at the Irish Oxygen's gas bottling plant just before 11.30am and two people are being treated at Cork University Hospital for facial injuries.

The men suffered minor injuries and have been taken to Cork University Hospital for treatment, a garda spokesman said.

The HSA has sent an inspector to the site to establish the cause of the explosion.

The Irish Oxygen Company produces oxygen and nitrogen by extraction from air, and acetylene gas chemically. It is a family-owned business set up in 1949.