WORKERS avoided a factory explosion by seconds on Saturday.

Staff at Freudenberg Nonwovens LP, on Ellistones Lane in Greetland, had gone for a tea break when pressurised machinery exploded at 9.22am.

A 15ft by 3ft roller, which pumps steam through nappy liners, exploded, wrecking other rollers and machinery in the same room.

The blast dislodged six other rollers and smashed glass.

Elland firefighters went to the scene, but just checked safety as there was no fire.

Watch Manager Rodger Binns said: "The workers were very lucky.

"If they had been there when the accident happened it could have been a very serious situation."