 A WORKER was killed today and two men are fighting for their lives after a huge explosion in a Liverpool factory. The blast was followed by a series of smaller explosions that ripped through the Northwest Aerosols factory in Fazakerley at 8am. Hundreds of aerosol canisters were blasted 60ft into the air and 40ft-high flames were reported at the scene in Brookfield Drive, off Long Lane. Firefighters searched the factory and led three men to safety. But after carrying out a roll call, they learned that one man was still missing. The dead man, who was in his 40s, was discovered inside the blazing building during a second search. Two workers are in Fazakerley hospital with up to 45% burns. One, a 25-year-old man, suffered severe burns to his face. His 26-year-old colleague sustained severe burns to his face, hands and neck in the blast. A third worker was also burnt. The premises and several other nearby businesses were evacuated. One worker, who was in the factory during the explosion, said: "I suddenly heard an almighty bang and everybody started legging it outside." Seven fire crews were called to tackle the fierce blaze, as aerosols continued to explode inside the plant. Forty people work at the plant, but it is believed only a half dozen were inside the factory at the time of the explosion. Witnesses told of a deafening noise followed by a series of smaller bangs which rattled doors and windows. Simon Harrison-Smith was inside his office on Hanson Road, 200 metres away. The 30-year-old from north Wales said: "I ran outside and gas bottles were flying around the air and flames were raging. "The explosions carried on for around ten minutes and the fire was not put out for another 30 minutes. "It was quite a sight. The bangs could be heard all the way down the road." | 
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