Still no word on cause, one year on from deadly Avonmouth Explosion
Staff at Wessex Water will hold a two-minute silence today in memory of the four victims
Staff at Wessex Water will observe a two-minute silence today, to mark one year since an explosion at their Avonmouth site killed four people.
On 3 December 2020 a blast ripped through a giant tank full of biosolids at the firm's water treatment site on Kings Weston Lane.
Ray White who was 57, 63-year-old Brian Vickery and Mike James who was 64 were all killed, as was 16-year-old apprentice Luke Wheaton.
Initial reports at the time suggested the explosion had occurred in a warehouse but the truth was soon revealed and Avon and Somerset Police have been investigating ever since.
They are being helped in their efforts by the body in charge of overseeing health and safety nationally, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
“We’re continuing to work with the police and Health & Safety Executive as they carry out their investigations and are committed to understanding why the incident happened," a spokesperson from Wessex Water said.
“To mark the anniversary, we have arranged a private gathering for the families affected and we will be holding a two-minute silence for the four colleagues who are always in our thoughts.”
Twelve months on from the blast, there is still no word on what caused it.
While there have been some reports it was started by a spark igniting methane gas trapped inside the tank, the police are remaining tight lipped on their investigation.
“An investigation into an explosion at Wessex Water’s Bristol water recycling centre continues to be led by the police, with the support of HSE," they have told us.
“The families of those who were sadly killed in the explosion are being supported by specialist trained officers, and we thank them for their patience while this complex investigation continues.
"The thoughts of everyone at Avon and Somerset Police are with them at this difficult time."
The tragic event a year ago drew national attention, including statements from the Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Leader of the Opposition Sir Keir Starmer.
In a tweet Mr Johnson said he was "deeply saddened" to learn that four people had lost their lives.
"Our hearts go out to the victims and their families," he wrote.
In a tweet of his own Sir Keir thanked the emergency services for all their work in response.
Dangers at work
A report recently published by the HSE says 142 workers have been killed at work across Great Britain in the last year.
That marks an increase of 19 on the year before, but is largely in line with the five year average of 136.
There have been unconfirmed reports the explosion in Avonmouth was caused by a spark igniting methane gas trapped inside the tank and the Executive has also published a report specifically about storing bio-waste.
Within it they state that "good ventilation can prevent accumulations of methane".
It also says "explosive atmosphere's may arise" when gases like methane or other contaminants are able to build up.
The report talks about specific risk assessments being needed to prevent such situations from arising, but right at the beginning of the report it states that the information within it is just guidance.
"Following the guidance is not compulsory and you are free to take other action," it reads.
As previously stated, despite 12 months of investigation there is still no official word on the cause, or whether anyone will face criminal charges.