News

Refinery explosion inquiry continues three years later

Published

11 years ago

June 16, 2014

THE INVESTIGATION into the Pembroke oil refinery explosion on June 2, 2011, has reached its third anniversary with seemingly no end in sight to the enquiry that could establish blame.

It was one of the worst refinery disasters in the UK for almost 40 years and claimed the lives of three men, Dennis Riley, Robert Broome, and Andrew Jenkins, along with one woman, Julie Jones. However, three years since the tragic accident, the inquest into the deaths of the four people has yet to be held. The inquests were initially opened on June 13, 2011 at Milford Haven Town Hall, where Pembrokeshire Coroner Mark Layton was told the four who died were identified using DNA samples. But a full hearing into how each of the co-workers died cannot be held until a full inquiry into the accident has been completed. An inquiry is continuing into the cause of the explosion, which Valero Energy UK Ltd (formerly Chevron) said happened while a storage tank was being taken out of service for maintenance work. Chevron, who immediately after the incident flew in experts from the USA, has maintained that the investigation will be a lengthy process. Two employees of USA oil giant have been questioned over gross negligence manslaughter. In a press release to The Herald, a spokesperson for Dyfed Powys Police said: “The investigation into the fatal explosion at the Pembroke oil refinery reached its third anniversary on June 2, 2014. A dedicated team of Dyfed Powys Police detectives and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspectors continue a joint criminal investigation into this incident, which tragically resulted in the deaths of Robert Broome, Andrew Jenkins, Julie Jones and Denny Riley, and serious injuries being sustained by another worker. “The on-going investigation is seeking to establish whether a potential offence under the Corporate Manslaughter Act 2007 has been committed, and it is believed that this is one of the first times since the introduction of the Act that the use of this legislation has been considered against a large, multi-national company such as Valero (formerly Chevron). “The complex nature of the inquiry has involved lengthy and detailed forensic investigations being undertaken by specialist staff from the Health & Safety Executive Laboratory and Specialist HSE Inspectors, with experience of the oil refining industry. In addition to this, the investigation is supported by specialist lawyers from the Crown Prosecution Service’s Serious and Complex Case team and HSE.” Detective Chief Superintendent Simon Powell, the Senior Investigating Officer added: “This is one of the most complex inquiries of this nature that Dyfed Powys Police has ever undertaken. However, the close partnership between the Police, Health and Safety Executive and other experts is ensuring that a very thorough investigation is being conducted which is gathering evidence to establish whether a prosecution should take place, and to provide the families with the facts surrounding the events that led to the deaths of their loved ones and the injuries that were sustained by the survivor.” The Herald was also told that a team of Dyfed Powys Police Family Liaison Officers continue to provide support to the bereaved families.

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

5 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

5 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.

Crime

Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm

Published

6 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THREE men admit their guilt after police discover over 700 cannabis plants during a raid on a former school building in Llandysul.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police executed a warrant at the former Ysgol Gynradd Llandysul on Heol Llyn Y Fran on November 15. Inside, they found 737 cannabis plants spread across multiple rooms.

Armeld Troksi, 29, and Njazi Gjana, 27, both from Empire Avenue in Edmonton, London, along with Ervin Gjana, 24, from Durham Avenue in Romford, were arrested at the scene and later charged with producing cannabis.

The three men appeared before Swansea Crown Court, where they admitted their involvement in the illegal operation. Defence solicitor Joshua Scouller requested a pre-sentence report for Ervin Gjana, which was granted by Judge Geraint Walters.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 20.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Following a warrant executed at the former school on Heol Llyn Y Fran, officers discovered a significant cannabis grow containing 737 plants.

“We are grateful to the local community for their continued support and cooperation. Officers will remain in the area while the site is secured.

“Our commitment remains firm in disrupting drug production and supply networks across our force area.

“We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity, no matter how small it may seem. Every piece of information can make a difference, and reports can easily be submitted through our website.”