Five individuals have been transported to hospital following a significant gas explosion at a farm charity event in Cheshire. The incident occurred at The Lambing Shed Farm Shop & Kitchen, situated at Moseley Hall Farm in Knutsford, shortly after 1pm on Saturday, February 21.
Emergency Response and Casualties
Police, firefighters, and ambulance crews were swiftly dispatched to the scene after reports of the explosion. A spokesperson for Cheshire Constabulary confirmed that a gas canister on the site had ignited and exploded, resulting in five people sustaining minor injuries.
The injured parties, whose ages remain undisclosed, received immediate treatment from paramedics at the location before being taken to hospital as a precautionary measure. Authorities have stated that their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.
Charity Event Disrupted
The explosion took place during a charity event organised to raise funds for the North West Air Ambulance Charity. The shop confirmed that the incident involved a food truck present at the event. In a statement released on Facebook, The Lambing Shed expressed that four members of their team were among those injured.
"We are extremely grateful to the emergency responders for their swift and professional assistance," the statement read. "Our thoughts are with our injured colleagues and everyone affected."
Investigation and Aftermath
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service reported that firefighters attended a fire involving a gas cylinder, which was subsequently extinguished. Police have indicated that while enquiries are ongoing to fully establish the circumstances, the incident is not being treated as suspicious.
As a direct consequence of the explosion, The Lambing Shed has made the decision to cancel the following day's event and temporarily close both the cafe and farm shop. The management emphasised that the wellbeing of their team is the current priority.
"This has not been an easy decision, but our priority right now is the wellbeing of our team," the Facebook statement continued. Customers due to attend the cancelled event have been advised to contact the marketing department for refunds.
Ongoing Cooperation
The shop has pledged full cooperation with the relevant authorities as they investigate the cause of the explosion. Further updates are expected to be shared once appropriate. Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service provided an additional update at 3.33pm, confirming that casualties had been transported to hospital after initial care from paramedics on scene.
Set within over 400 acres of Cheshire farmland, The Lambing Shed is a family-run establishment with a proud farming heritage, home to a flock of over 2,500 sheep and a herd of 250 beef cattle cared for by the Mitchell family.
