A man has died in an industrial incident involving a “high pressure release of oxygen” that came from a set containing 12 cylinders, the fire service said.
Emergency services were called to Future Automation on Brunel Road in Bedford at about 15:20 BST on Thursday.
Bedfordshire Police was initially called to reports of a suspected explosion, with nearby residents describing hearing a loud bang.
The force said a man in his 30s was pronounced dead at the scene, while a second man was taken to hospital as a “precaution”.
Several other people were also assessed by paramedics.
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said a large cordon was put in place until the cylinders were fully vented.
