A MAN who died in an explosion at a factory in Wiltshire was from Southampton, police have confirmed.

The man, 29, died after an explosion at Chemring Countermeasures, outside Salisbury, around 5pm yesterday.

Another man remains in hospital with critical injuries.

A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said: "We can confirm that the man who sadly died following an explosion at a factory near Salisbury last night is a 29-year-old man from Southampton. 

"Police, ambulance and fire crews were called to the Chemring Plant on High Post Road, Netton, just after 5pm yesterday (August 10) following a report of an explosion at the site.

"Six fire crews were in attendance, with two appliances from Salisbury, as well as appliances from Andover, Fordingbridge, Pewsey and Cranborne, supported by an incident command vehicle from Devizes.  

"One man was pronounced deceased at the scene.

"His family have been informed and are being supported by specialist trained family liaison officers. Formal identification, however, has not yet taken place.

"Our thoughts remain with the man's family, friends and colleagues at this extremely sad time and we would ask that you respect their privacy.

"A second man, aged 26, from Pewsey, was taken to Salisbury District Hospital in a serious condition

"His condition remains serious but stable and he is receiving specialist care."

An investigation has been launched into the cause of the incident by the police and the Health and Safety Executive.

Chemring’s business director, Andy Hogben, said in a statement: "Chemring Group PLC confirms that at approximately 5pm on Friday August 10 an incident occurred in a flare manufacturing building at the Chemring Countermeasures factory near Salisbury.

"There has been one fatality and one employee is currently receiving treatment in hospital.

"The site was immediately evacuated and the incident brought under control. The emergency services are in attendance.

"Chemring has launched an investigation into the cause of the incident. The thoughts and support of Chemring Group are with the families at this time."

According to their website, Chemring is a 'global business providing a range of advanced technology products and services to the aerospace, defence and security markets'.