Ex-Redcar steelworks building demolished in explosion

Image source, Tees Valley Combined Authority/Tom Banks

Image caption, Thursday's demolition marked a change of the landscape, Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen said

The remainder of a factory at a former steelworks has been destroyed in a controlled explosion.

About 8,500 tonnes of steel was brought down as one of the last parts of the Sinter Plant at the former Redcar Steelwork was cleared on Thursday.

The plant's former manager Kevin Mcelvany pressed the button to trigger the explosion, which brought down about 60% of the overall structure.

Only a gas stack and two supporting structures remain.

The initial phase of demolition was carried out on 16 June, bringing down the bunker bay and first part of the screenhouse.

The remainder of the screenhouse was brought down on Thursday as part of the Teesworks development, which will see the former steelworks site repurposed for other industrial use.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said the demolition marked "another major change to the Teesworks landscape".

Image source, Tees Valley Combined Authority/Tom Banks

Image caption, The Sinter Plant was part of the Redcar steelworks which closed in 2015

Image source, Tees Valley Combined Authority/Tom Banks

Image caption, The building stood about 160ft (50m) high

Image source, Tees Valley Combined Authority/Tom Banks

Image caption, The explosion was carried at at 19:00 BST on Thursday

Image source, Tees Valley Combined Authority/Tom Banks

Image caption, About 8,500 tonnes of steel came crashing down

Image source, Tees Valley Combined Authority/Tom Banks

Image caption, The plant was used as part of the steel-making process

Image source, Tees Valley Combined Authority/Tom Banks

Image caption, Only a gas stack and two supporting structures remained

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