London, Mar 11 (V7N) – Emergency responders are working to control a massive explosion in the waters off England following a collision between a cargo ship and an oil tanker early Monday. The crash caused fires on both vessels and led to dozens of people being sent to the hospital.

The incident was reported at 9:48 a.m. local time, according to Jonathan Beal, a spokesperson for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. The local coastguard is coordinating the emergency response, which is focused on the waters off East Yorkshire.

The collision occurred in a busy waterway connecting ports along Britain’s northeast coast to the Netherlands and Germany. Emergency teams, including helicopters, aircraft, lifeboats, and nearby vessels with firefighting equipment, responded to the scene.

The oil tanker, which was carrying jet fuel, was anchored when the cargo ship struck it at high speed. This rupture caused fuel to spill into the sea. No foul play has been suspected in the incident.

Nearly 30 people were taken to a hospital in Grimsby, a port town. While the full extent of the injuries is not yet known, one person remained in the hospital as of Monday afternoon.

Local Member of Parliament Graham Stuart confirmed that all crew members from both ships are safe and accounted for.

The two ships involved were identified as the Stena Immaculate, a U.S.-flagged chemical tanker, and the Solong, a Portuguese-flagged container ship. The Stena Immaculate is part of a U.S. government program that provides fuel for the armed forces when needed.

Videos circulating on social media show large plumes of smoke rising from the collision site, with both ships on fire. Environmental experts are concerned about the potential impact of the spill, which will depend on the amount and type of fuel released into the water.

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