News / avonmouth
Wessex Water facing criminal charges six years after explosion killed four workers
A water company is facing criminal charges following an explosion in 2020 which killed four workers.
Luke Wheaton, 16, Ray White, 57, Brian Vickery, 63, and Mike James, 64, died in the blast at a Wessex Water treatment site in Avonmouth in December 2020.
Two years after an Avon & Somerset Police investigation was dropped because the evidence did not reach the “extremely high threshold to prosecute” for manslaughter, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) have now informed the YTL-owned company of its intention to prosecute which could lead to a hefty fine if the prosecution is successful.
is needed now More than ever
Three Wessex Water employees and one contractor died following the explosion in a chemical tank off Kings Weston Lane – photo: Ellie Pipe
A Wessex Water spokesperson said: “The HSE has informed us of its decision to prosecute.
“We will always remember Brian Vickery, Ray White, Luke Wheaton and Mike James.
“Our thoughts are with their families, friends and colleagues.”
An HSE spokesperson told Bristol24/7: “Following an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive into an incident at Avonmouth on 3 December 2020, which resulted in the deaths of four workers, our Legal Services Division has taken the decision to authorise criminal charges against Wessex Water, for offences under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act.”
Main photos: courtesy of families
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