PRESS ASSOCIATION -- Investigators are trying to find out if an industrial unit where five men were killed in an explosion was being used to make alcohol illegally.
Firefighters found the men inside the unit after the blast at the Broadfield Lane industrial estate in Boston, Lincolnshire, on Wednesday evening. A sixth man was taken to hospital suffering from severe burns.
Teams of emergency workers were scrambled to the 30ft by 15ft unit shortly before 7.30pm after several 999 calls from members of the public.
Firefighters found the casualty outside, but had to cut their way into the unit after intense heat melted its doors.
Police would not confirm reports that the explosion occurred because of illegal alcohol brewing, but said investigators were keeping an "open mind and following up all relevant lines of inquiry".
Ian Nuttall, 42, who lives 200 yards from the scene, said he noticed a commotion and smoke coming from the "lock-up" at about 7.30pm.
He said he did not know anyone who used it, or the other units, or what they used it for, but said: "There was a rumour going round that it was some Polish nationals who have been brewing their own vodka which is a bit of a problem around here at the moment."
Steve Moore, area manager from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service, described the incident as one of the worst he had seen in his 28-year career. "It was a really hot, intense fire," he said.
Superintendent Keith Owen, from Lincolnshire Police, said the investigation was in its "earliest stages".
"Our main focus is identifying the unfortunate people who lost their lives." He said the sixth person remained "very poorly" in hospital but police hope to speak to him later.