An explosion led to a York sports centre being evacuated this morning (Saturday).
Energise Leisure Centre, on Cornlands Road, Acomb, was closed for several hours following the incident. It has now reopened.
Fire crews were called to the site after several people reported hearing a “huge bang”.
One person said: “I was there with my son, it was a huge bang and I saw smoke coming through the ceiling whilst watching him. Everyone seemed to get out OK.”
Another added: “We were in there when there was a massive rumble and the roof shook.”
The centre was evacuated at about 9.50am.
A North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson told YorkMix the incident was centred on “a biomass silo, which has, we believe, somehow exploded”.
They said a fire investigator arrived at the scene shortly after 11am as the service’s enquiries continue.
At 12.44pm, North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service issued this update: “This is a courtesy message to inform you of an incident we received in Acomb this morning around 09:50.
“It is possible a loud explosion was heard in the neighbouring areas following an incident with a biomass boiler.
“The incident is still under investigation regarding the cause. I can confirm that no persons were injured in the incident.
“The damage caused is confined to the biomass storage silo which was external to the premises, and there is no more risk at the scene.
“The affected equipment has been safely electrically isolated.”
A spokesperson for Better which runs Energise said: “Following an incident with the biomass silo at Energise Leisure Centre on Saturday morning, 150 customers and staff were evacuated safely.
“No one was hurt and the building was reopened at 1.30pm when the fire service confirmed it was safe to do so.
“The pool and leisure facilities remain open and an update has been given on social media.”
Energise York issued this update on its social channels: “Thanks for sticking with us. We’ve re-opened our doors and we’re ready to welcome you back.
“Unfortunately there will be no poolside showers. We look forward to seeing you soon.”
A member of staff from the centre was stationed at the front to turn away people hoping to use the sports centre.
Both Energise and York High School, which share the same site, are powered by renewable energy from biomass boilers. The silos can be seen clearly at the front of the school building.