The report into the explosion at ICL plastics which killed 9 people and injured 33 others has concluded that the explosion was avoidable.

The report of the inquiry, chaired by Lord Gill, found that thee underground "ageing" LPG pipe was "out of sight and out of mind", inadequately protected, subject to corrosion. It failed, leading to the explosion, the inquiry found.

“The management of the ICL companies lacked knowledge and understanding that LPG is heavier than air and when escaping will trac to accumulate at the lowest point in drains, ducts and voids, presenting the danger of an explosion,” it added.

“When the yard was raised in 1973 and later, when the chequer plate floor was laid over the open pit area, the LPG safety implications were overlooked. No consideration was given to the presence of LPG on the premises and the existence of the void within the building. The risks posed were not identified and not understood.”

Justice Minster Kenny MacAskill welcomed the report, and added that the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions was asking HSE to carry out a full assessment of the implications of the report's recommendations.

"I am confident that the cross border co-operation that has taken place so successfully in this matter will continue in the next stages of dealing with the recommendations. It is clear that there needs to be a much better understanding of the nature of LPG risks," he said.

"It is also very encouraging that the industry with UKLPG has already taken steps to begin work on the first important phase of the Action Plan set out in the report. The Inquiries Act is still relatively new and it is very reassuring to know that whilst there will always be lessons to be learned from the process, that it provided the necessary framework to ensure an efficient and effective means of exposing and addressing the relevant issues in a non-adversarial and productive way."