THE two men who were killed when a fireball engulfed the 200ft Carnaud Metalbox chimney in Westhoughton have still not been identified.

A post mortem examination has been carried out but pathologists have yet to find out who they were and how they died.

They are thought to be two steeplejacks from Nottingham who were working on a cradle in the chimney when there was an explosion at teatime last Thursday. But pathologists may now have to use dental records, DNA or fingerprints to identify their charred remains.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "The post mortem proved inconclusive. Further tests will be carried out."

The investigation into the explosion is also believed to have hit problems because of fears for investigators' safety. The blast at the Chew Moor Lane plant dislodged a 180ft chimney ladder, making it dangerous for inspectors to approach.

Once inside the structure, the inspectors will work with the police, the fire brigade and explosion experts to determine the cause of the accident.

Steve Thomas, a spokesman for Carnaud Metalbox, which makes food cans, said the firm was doing everything it could to assist the investigation.