The boiler house collapsed in February 2016 (Pete Lusabia/Alamy Stock Photo)
Thames Valley Police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are working through 870 tonnes of evidence related to the partial collapse at Didcot Power Station, they have revealed on the third anniversary of the disaster.
Four men – Michael Collings, Ken Cresswell, Christopher Huxtable and John Shaw – were killed during the incident on 23 February 2016.
Paying tribute to the men, Thames Valley Police assistant chief constable, Jason Hogg, said: “Thames Valley Police along with our colleagues at the Health and Safety Executive remain committed to obtaining answers and justice for those who have been affected.
“A dedicated team continues to investigate manslaughter and health and safety offences. The investigation has now moved off the site of the collapse with 870 tonnes of evidence moved to the Health and Safety Executive’s Science Division facility in Buxton, Derbyshire for further forensic examination.
“A team of experts from HSE and Thames Valley Police, supported by independent scientific experts, continue to analyse thousands of exhibits and work through complex technical data which takes significant time to analyse and interpret.
“Further detailed interviews of both witnesses and potential suspects are also planned to further progress the investigation.”
Hogg added that police were working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service to make sure all lines of enquiry were explored in the complex case and said he wanted to reassure the families of the men killed that the force remained committed to the investigation.
Long wait for answers
Sarah Jardine, HSE construction division head of operations said: “On this, the third anniversary of the tragic incident at Didcot A Power Station, HSE would like to pay tribute to Michael, Chris, Ken and John, and to their families who continue to wait patiently for answers as to how this terrible event occurred.
“We also remember others working on the site that day who suffered physical and psychological injuries and those who lost close friends and workmates.
“Working tirelessly alongside colleagues from Thames Valley Police, HSE’s dedicated investigation team remains committed to getting to the truth of what happened for the families. The investigation will reveal if any criminal offences have been committed and it seeks to learn any wider lessons for the industry to help prevent anything like this happening again.
“More details of our investigation will be shared as and when we are able to do so.”
Coleman investigations
Last year, Coleman Group, the demolition contractor at the centre of the tragedy said its own investigations “clearly” show the cause of the fatal accident.
Coleman director James Howard said the contractor has commissioned its own investigations into the accident.
He said: “In our view, [the investigations] clearly show why and how units 1 and 2 of the boiler house collapsed. We believe the findings highlight industry-wide practices that need to be challenged and reviewed.”
Howard said the contractor was continuing to work with the police and HSE “to understand the cause of the collapse, provide justice for the families, and learn lessons for the industry”.
Earlier this month, the firm revealed that a ‘perfect storm’ of the deferral of two major contracts, Brexit uncertainty, and ongoing legacy issues following the Didcot accident pushed it into a £1.37m loss.
Coleman Group declined to comment following Thames Valley Police’s latest statement.
