A MAN seriously injured in an industrial accident in Hampshire is today said to be in a “stable” condition in hospital.

The 45-year-old employee was working at Solent Refit at Hythe Marine Park yesterday when the accident happened.

He was airlifted to hospital with what were described as life-threatening injuries.

Initial reports suggested that he had been crushed by a steel girder but Solent Refit today said he was injured by a steel plate that was being lifted towards the vessel he was working on.

A spokesman said: “He was taken by air ambulance to Southampton General Hospital with leg, chest and pelvic injuries.

“His family are with him and this morning say he's in a stable condition. For family reasons we are not naming the employee.

“The Health and Safety Executive are on site and Solent Refit are co-operating fully to try to establish exactly what caused the accident. This is the first time such an incident has happened at Solent Refit.

“We are concentrating on helping the HSE and supporting the family of the injured employee.”