Wessex Water is facing criminal charges in connection with a deadly explosion that occurred at its water treatment facility in Avonmouth, near Bristol, in December 2020. The blast resulted in the deaths of four employees: 16-year-old apprentice Luke Wheaton, 57-year-old Ray White, 63-year-old Brian Vickery, and 64-year-old Mike James. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has officially notified the utility company of its decision to pursue a prosecution.
The explosion took place within a silo containing biosolids, which are recycled organic materials used as agricultural fertiliser. The workers were reportedly on the roof of the silo at the time of the incident when a spark ignited. While an Avon and Somerset Police investigation into the blast concluded in July 2024 without pursuing manslaughter charges, citing insufficient evidence to meet the high prosecution threshold, the HSE continued its own inquiry into potential health and safety breaches.
The HSE's investigation ultimately led its legal services division to authorise criminal charges against Wessex Water under the Health and Safety at Work Act. If successful, such a prosecution would typically result in a fine for the company, rather than individuals facing custodial sentences. A spokesperson for Wessex Water acknowledged the HSE's decision, stating, "We will always remember Brian Vickery, Ray White, Luke Wheaton and Mike James. Our thoughts are with their families, friends and colleagues."
Reports have emerged suggesting that safety concerns at the plant predated the fatal incident. A BBC investigation last year indicated that safety reports, authored five years before the explosion, had highlighted serious issues regarding conditions at parts of the water treatment plant, explicitly flagging an explosion risk. The author of these reports reportedly chose to speak out after repeated attempts to contact the HSE went unanswered.
In January 2024, the HSE issued Wessex Water with an improvement notice. This notice was served due to the company's alleged failure to demonstrate that it had implemented all necessary measures to prevent major accidents and mitigate their potential consequences. Wessex Water stated at the time that the HSE was satisfied with the steps taken and confirmed compliance a month later.