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Wessex Water has paid tribute to the four people killed in the explosion at Avonmouth treatment works last week.
The company described 16-year-old apprentice Luke Wheaton as hard working, very committed and conscientious and eager to learn. Wheaton had recently started an apprenticeship with Wessex and Weston College. The company said he was “everything we wanted in an apprentice and future employee”.
Two long-serving members of staff also lost their lives in last Thursday’s (3 December) incident.
Brian Vickery, who had been with Wessex for more than 42 years, was nearing retirement. Vickery was described as “one of our most loyal, dedicated and very hard-working employees – a Wessex Water man through and through”, by the company, which praised his knowledge and experience.
Ray White, who had worked at the water company for 19 years, was “often known as “the machine” for his determination and continuous drive”. In the tribute, Wessex described him as a “true old-school engineer” and mentor to many.
The fourth person to lose their life was Mike James, the owner of Bath-based Beaufort Maintenance, which had a longstanding relationship with the water company. Wessex said his dedication and experience would be missed.
Chief executive Colin Skellett said the company was “absolutely devastated” by the tragic incident.
The explosion is understood to have happened in a silo holding treated biosolids ahead of being recycled.
Avon and Somerset Police said a cordon is likely to remain on the site while an investigation is carried out with support of the Health and Safety Executive and a team of chemical and mechanical experts.
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