Police close probe into fatal Avonmouth explosion
Four people lost their lives in the blast at a water recycling plant in 2020
Last updated 10th Jul 2024
Avon and Somerset Police have closed their criminal investigation into the fatal 2020 Avonmouth explosion.
Four people lost their lives when a tank full of biosolids blew up at a water recycling plant in December of that year. The incident shocked the country, prompting responses from then Prime Minister Boris Johnson among others.
Detectives, alongside officials from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have been investigating what happened ever since, but now say there is no realistic chance of anyone being convicted for manslaughter.
"While the decision marks an end to the police-led investigation, the HSE will continue to carry out enquiries to determine whether criminal offences were committed under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974," a statement from Avon and Somerset Police reads.
Luke Wheaton who was a 16-year-old apprentice at the Wessex Water site, plus Ray White, 57, Brian Vickery, 63, and Mike James, 64, all lost their lives in the blast, which was heard for miles.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Almond said: “Throughout our inquiry the families of Luke, Ray, Brian and Mike have been firmly in our thoughts.
“The families have demonstrated great dignity and patience while we carried out our enquiries and I’d like to publicly thank them for their support and understanding over the past three and a half years.”
DCI Almond said the threshold to prosecute any criminal offence of manslaughter in such a context is "extremely high" and has not been met.
“We have met all the families to explain this development and to inform them of what will happen next, with HSE taking ownership of the investigation.”
HSE principal inspector Simon Chilcott said: “We have been a part of this complex inquiry from the outset.
"Now as the lead agency, we will continue to carry out a robust criminal investigation to establish if there have been any breaches of health and safety law.
“We are in regular contact with the families, with whom our thoughts remain.”
A Wessex Water spokesperson said: “We’re continuing to work with the Health and Safety Executive as they carry out their investigations and are committed to understanding why the incident happened.
“The four colleagues will always be in the thoughts of everyone connected to Wessex Water.”