Total confirms that at six o'clock this morning (local time) an explosion occurred at an oil depot belonging to its UK subsidiary at its Buncefield terminal north of London. The site is part of a storage complex for petroleum products. Firefighters and police are at the scene dealing with the incident. Total UK has mobilised response teams to give help and support to all those affected by the explosion and the fire which followed it.

According to police and rescue teams, there were 36 injuries and they were treated at the local hospital. Four individuals would have sustained more serious injuries.

The cause of the explosion has not yet been identified.

Total UK is working closely with the police and safety teams, using the inter-professional incident response plan.

Further details on the Buncefield terminal are available on

  www.total.co.uk