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Tributes were paid to a 16-year-old boy who was among the four victims of an explosion at a water treatment plant near Bristol.
Police named them Michael James, 64, Brian Vickery, 63, Raymond White, 57, and Luke Wheaton, 16.
The teenager is understood to have been an apprentice at Wessex Water.
the explosion at the company’s Avonmouth center It happened around 11:20 am on Thursday.
The damaged tank can be seen in the lower left.
The explosion involved one of the chemical tanks and workers were upstairs when it exploded, police said.
North Bristol Rugby Football Club tweeted: “Such terribly sad news that one of our Colts, Luke Wheaton, was tragically lost in the accident at Avonmouth yesterday morning.
“It’s absolutely heartbreaking. All of our love and thoughts to Luke’s family, teammates, coaches, and everyone who knew him.”
Bradley Stoke Community School wrote on Facebook: “We were shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic passing of our former student Luke Wheaton yesterday in the Avonmouth tragedy.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”
Search and rescue teams were called to the Avonmouth site.
It is understood that Mr. James was a contractor on the site, while Mr. Vickery and Mr. White were Wessex Water staff.
Police said a fifth person was injured and is recovering at home.
Officers are working with the Health and Safety Executive and chemical and mechanical experts to determine the cause.
Superintendent Simon Brickwood said the investigation “is likely to continue for some time.”
He added: “We appreciate the impact this incident has had on the local community and we 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.”
A helicopter was dispatched to the scene. Photo: Jawad Burhan
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.”
