Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

News

Refinery explosion inquiry continues three years later

Published

on

refinaryTHE 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.

 

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Road closed after serious crash on B4333 near Capel Iwan

Published

on

Motorcyclist airlifted to hospital as police arrest van driver and appeal for witnesses

A MOTORCYCLIST was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries after a two-vehicle collision on the B4333 near Capel Iwan on Tuesday morning (Apr 8).

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers were called to the Maudlands stretch of road shortly after 7:00am following a collision involving a white Mercedes Sprinter van towing a trailer and a black Triumph motorbike.

The rider of the motorbike was taken to hospital by air ambulance, where he is receiving treatment for serious injuries.

Police said the driver of the Mercedes van, a 45-year-old man, has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by careless driving. He remains in police custody.

The road was closed while collision investigators carried out enquiries at the scene.

Officers are now appealing for witnesses, and are asking anyone who saw either vehicle before the crash to come forward.

They are also urging anyone with dash-cam footage, CCTV or doorbell footage covering the stretch of road to contact police.

Information can be passed to Dyfed-Powys Police online, by email to [email protected], by calling 101, or by direct message via social media.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

The reference number is DP-20260408-055.

 

Continue Reading

News

Climate and nature hustings to be held in Cardigan ahead of Senedd election

Published

on

West Wales Climate Coalition invites Ceredigion Penfro candidates to face voters’ questions on climate change and nature at public Guildhall event

CARDIGAN voters will have the chance to put their questions directly to Senedd election candidates at a climate and nature hustings taking place in the town next week.

The event, organised by West Wales Climate Coalition, will be held at the Guildhall in Cardigan on Thursday (Apr 16).

All parties have been invited to take part in the hustings, which will focus on climate change, nature and environmental policy in the new Ceredigion Penfro constituency.

Organisers say the event will give local people the chance to hear directly from candidates hoping to win seats in the upcoming Senedd election, while also pressing them on how they plan to respond to what campaigners describe as the growing climate and nature crisis.

Free food will be available from 6:00pm, provided by Street Food Morocco, with the hustings beginning at 6:30pm. Simultaneous translation will also be available.

The evening will be run in the style of a People’s Assembly, with attendees first breaking into small groups to discuss and agree questions before putting them to the panel. The event will conclude with candidates summing up their campaigns and environmental commitments.

Philip Hughes, of West Wales Climate Coalition, said: “We chose to host this event in Cardigan because the public are becoming increasingly worried about the environment, and often politicians underestimate the importance voters put on the climate and nature crisis.

“This Senedd election must be a turning point for nature and the climate crisis and we need ambitious and passionate leaders to make that happen.

“The upcoming Senedd election will be a defining moment for nature’s recovery, as the next Welsh Government’s actions can play a crucial role in contributing to a more liveable planet for us all and especially our children.”

Organisers say Wales remains one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world and warn that urgent political action is needed to tackle nature loss, climate change, pollution and waste.

They say one in six UK species is now at risk of extinction and argue that strong leadership will be needed from the next Welsh Government if that decline is to be reversed.

 

Continue Reading

Local Government

Slade Park pavements cleaned after residents raise safety concerns

Published

on

HAVERFORDWEST Castle Ward’s county councillor Thomas Tudor says action has now been taken to deal with slippery, moss-covered pavements at Slade Park after concerns were raised by local residents.

Residents contacted Cllr Tudor about the condition of the footpaths within the housing complex, warning that the thick build-up of moss was making the surfaces dangerous underfoot.

Photographs taken before the work was carried out show large sections of pavement covered in moss, creating a potentially hazardous surface for pedestrians.

Cllr Tudor said he was pleased to report that, following his intervention, the pavements have now been cleaned by Pembrokeshire County Council and Pembrokeshire County Council Housing Services.

He praised the maintenance team for their work and said the clean-up would make a real difference for people living in the area.

Among those pleased with the result was local resident Cora Hackett, who was pictured after the work was completed.

 

Continue Reading

Crime18 hours ago

Four youths stabbed at Tenby railway station as two arrested

British Transport Police lead investigation after serious disorder involving group of youths FOUR youths suffered stab wounds during a major...

News19 hours ago

Major emergency response in Tenby after incident near train station

Witnesses report injuries as police and ambulance crews remain at scene on Warren Street POLICE and ambulance crews remain at...

News1 day ago

Haverfordwest County AFC faces High Court winding-up threat from HMRC

Chairman says issue has been dealt with, but winding-up notice is still listed ahead of High Court hearing HAVERFORDWEST County...

Local Government1 day ago

Food hygiene checks have not been carried out in parts of a Welsh county since 2019

FOOD hygiene checks have not been carried out in parts of a Welsh county since 2019 due an inspection backlog,...

Local Government1 day ago

Bridge works on Neyland-Burton road to continue into late April

Council says safety repairs remain on programme but traffic lights will stay in place as major bridge scheme moves into...

Charity2 days ago

Angle RNLI answers string of call-outs across the Milford Haven Waterway

Volunteer crew launched for searches, police incidents, a medical evacuation and a grounded yacht during a busy spell from mid-February...

Charity2 days ago

St Davids RNLI launches on Easter Monday after drifting kayak spotted off Solva

Missing vessel recovered near shore after coastguard confirms it had been reported lost days earlier ST DAVIDS RNLI launched on...

News2 days ago

Diesel nears £2 a litre in Pembrokeshire as drivers scramble for cheaper fuel

Johnston forecourt hits 194.9p while wide price gaps and rush to fill up pile pressure on motorists across the county...

News3 days ago

St Davids Cathedral marked Easter Sunday with full day of worship

FROM dawn vigil to choral evensong, the cathedral welcomed worshippers for one of the most important days in the Christian...

Crime3 days ago

Neyland man spared immediate jail over aggravated vehicle taking

Defendant given a suspended prison sentence after magistrates heard the offence was serious enough to cross the custody threshold KRISTIAN...

Popular This Week