Water firm to be charged for blast that killed four

Wessex Water will face criminal charges nearly six years after an explosion that killed four workers including a 16-year-old apprentice.

Luke Wheaton, 16, Ray White, 57, Brian Vickery, 63, and Mike James, 64, died in the blast at the company's water treatment site in Avonmouth, near Bristol, in December 2020.

A police investigation into the explosion was dropped in July 2024 because the evidence did not reach the "extremely high threshold to prosecute" for manslaughter.

But the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has now informed Wessex Water of its intention to prosecute.

A successful prosecution would result in a fine rather than individuals facing prison sentences.

The site processes waste water, sifting out solids, and produces biogas and a form of fertiliser.

The explosion took place in a silo containing biosolids – recycled organic matter that is used by farmers as agricultural fertiliser.

The workers were on the roof of the silo when a spark ignited.

After the Avon and Somerset Police probe ended in 2024, the HSE said it would continue its own investigation to determine if criminal offences had been committed under health and safety laws.

A BBC investigation revealed last year that safety reports had noted serious concerns about conditions in parts of the water treatment plant, five years before the deadly blast.

The author of the reports, both of which explicitly flagged an explosion risk, decided to speak out after contacting the HSE on multiple occasions without reply.

In January 2024, the HSE served Wessex Water with an improvement notice because the company had failed to show it had "taken all measures necessary to prevent major accidents and limit their consequences".

Wessex Water said at the time that the HSE was "satisfied" with steps taken by the company and confirmed compliance a month later.

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."

A HSE spokesperson said, following its investigation, its legal services division had decided to authorise criminal charges against Wessex Water, for offences under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

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