Sailor killed in ‘massive explosion’ on board ship docking at Felixstowe
Blast is thought to have been caused by a build-up of steam in the vessel's boiler
A SAILOR has died after a "massive explosion" tore through a ship "like thunder" as it came in to dock.
The blast is thought to have been caused by steam building up in the boiler room of the Manhattan Bridge vessel as it arrived at the Trinity terminal of Felixstowe Port, Suffolk.
The sailor has succumbed to his injuries after the explosion at roughly 11.45pm on Thursday.
Another was taken to hospital for treatment.
The ages and genders of the victims is not yet known but the death is not being treated as suspicious.
Residents in the area said they heard a "massive explosion" in the ship while passing the docks.
One wrote on social media: "Driving past a ship earlier and hear this massive explosion. Like thunder going off inside."
A joint investigation is now underway between the Police and the Maritime and Coastguard agency.
Last week a huge blast tore through a Manchester cafe and left one person with burn injuries.
Bomb squads carried out controlled explosions at roughly 600 schools in an eight-week operation last year.