Avonmouth blast: four people named dead with only 16-year-old victim

Four people have been identified who died in a large explosion at a sewage treatment plant, including one only 16 years old.

Avon & Somerset police have named the victims as Michael James, 64, Brian Vickery, 63, Raymond White, 57, and Luke Wheaton, 16.

Luke, Brian and Ray worked for Wessex Water while Michael was a contractor.

A fifth person who was injured is now at home and police say investigators will speak with them when appropriate.

The three employees and the contractor were working on top of a chemical tank when the explosion occurred at the site in Avonmouth, near Bristol, shortly after 11 a.m. Thursday.

The grieving wife of Wessex Water worker Brian Vickery, who was killed in the blast, said her son may have died as well, but had a day off.

Speaking on her doorstep in Clevedon, Somerset, the devastated Jane Vickery said: “Brian had worked there for 42 years. Our son works there, but yesterday he had a day off.

“If it had been there, it would also be dead. We didn’t hear anything for about five hours after it happened.”

Brian had worked for Wessex Water for 42 years and was nearing retirement when he was killed in the explosion.

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Avon and Somerset Police Superintendent Simon Brickwood said: “I would like to extend my condolences to the families of those involved in yesterday’s tragic incident.

“An investigation into the causes of the explosion has been initiated, with the support of partner agencies and the Health and Safety Executive. This is likely to continue for some time and we will keep the families of the victims informed. “

“We appreciate the impact this incident has had on the local community and thank those affected for their patience while our investigative work is carried out. The local neighborhood watch team is available to address any concerns that members of the public may have.

“I would like to pay tribute to those involved in the emergency response, who have been on the scene throughout the night in very difficult and challenging circumstances.”

The group was working on a silo that contained biosolids, a by-product of the wastewater treatment process.

This sludge-like substance can be treated with bacteria to produce agricultural fertilizers and renewable energy.

Heartbroken colleagues have been paying tribute to the four victims online, and mourners have been leaving flowers and cards at a memorial at the site as the investigation into the cause continues.

One of the four workers was thrown 150 meters (500 feet) into a lake, it is claimed.

The sniffer dogs were brought in to search for bodies after a chemical tank exploded like a “bomb” at a Wessex Water site in Avonmouth, near Bristol.

The explosion occurred in a silo that contained biosolids treated before they were recycled to the ground as an organic soil conditioner.

A source told the Times: “A silo exploded when men were working on it.

“They have been looking for the bodies and found one 150 meters (500 feet) away in a lake.

“There are four dead and one injured who could move away from the place.”

The survivor’s injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. Urban search and rescue teams helped locate the bodies of the dead.

Witnesses said the explosion was like a “bomb” and shook buildings in the industrial zone.

A witness at the nearby Geneco plant said: “They had no chance.”

Fire crews described a “very challenging” scene and employed search and rescue dogs to search for victims after the blast around 11:20 am.

A witness to the aftermath described hearing a “boom and echo” that shook the ground, followed by “a lot of commotion.”

Sean Nolan said, “It was pretty short-lived, I’d say two or three seconds. A kind of boom and echo and then it was silent.

“That was it. There was no smoke, there were no sequels.”

Kieran Jenkins, who had been working nearby, said he and a colleague had seen people fleeing the scene.

“We were inside the warehouse, the whole warehouse was shaking and we literally stood there in shock,” he told BBC News.

Wessex Water CEO Colin Skellett said the company was “absolutely devastated” by the incident and said he would work with the health and safety executive “to understand what happened and why.”

Avon and Somerset Police Chief Inspector Mark Runacres said: “A full investigation will be conducted, involving various agencies and the Health and Safety Executive in due course, and we will not speculate on the cause of the incident “. investigation while such work is being carried out. “

He added that the incident is not being treated as terrorism-related and there are not believed to be any ongoing public safety concerns.

Bristol City Mayor Marvin Rees said the “thoughts of our city” were with the families of those who had died.

“This has already been such a challenging year, and this news of further loss of life is another terrible blow. As a city, we will cry for them,” he added.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said “our hearts go out to the victims and their families,” while Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer also offered his condolences.

GMB, the Wessex Water workers union, said it is supporting all members and their families caught up in the tragedy.

John Phillips, GMB Regional Secretary, said: “This is a terrible tragedy, and our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those who have been injured or killed.

“GMB will provide all necessary support to members and their families affected by this incident.

“This is another stark reminder of the absolute need to ensure that people can work in environments where risks to their health and safety are adequately controlled.

“While the cause of this tragedy is not yet known, it is essential that a full and thorough investigation be carried out in a timely manner.”

A spokesman for the Unite union said it will give its members “maximum support.”

He said: “Unite wishes to extend its condolences to the families of the employees who lost their lives and also those injured in the explosion. Our thoughts and solidarity go out to all those affected by this tragic event.”

“Unite also wishes to thank the emergency services for their prompt, courageous and professional response to this important incident.

“In due course, there will be an investigation into this incident and Unite will contribute to that investigation.”

The Church of England says it is also “leading the nation’s prayers” for the blast victims.

A statement posted on the Church of England Twitter page read: “We unite to pray for the people of Avonmouth.”

Darren Jones, MP for Bristol North West, said: “My family and I keep those affected in our thoughts and prayers today.

“Can I thank emergency services, including Avon and Somerset Police, South West Ambulance Service, and Avon Fire & Rescue, for their responsiveness and support?

“A full investigation will be conducted, but for now, we pay our respects to those who have suffered and lost their lives today.”

In a police statement, Giles Hyder, HSE’s chief of operations in the Southwest, said: “We send our deepest condolences to the families of those who tragically died. It is important that a joint investigation be carried out.

“We will provide specialized support to what is likely to be a complex investigation under the command of the police.”

Wessex Water CEO Colin Skellett said: “We are all absolutely devastated by what has happened.

“Our hearts go out to the family, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives during the tragic event on Thursday.

“I know from the thoughts and comments I have received from so many that this has affected the entire Wessex Water family.

“I know Avonmouth, I worked there for many years and I know the people, some of whom have lost their lives during this terrible incident.”