Avonmouth blast Wessex Water pays tribute to victims of explosion
WESSEX Water has paid tribute to four workers who died in the explosion at Avonmouth last week.
Described as “loyal”, “conscientious”, “unassuming” and “dedicated”, the company has released full tributes for each victim of the blast.
Michael James, 64, Brian Vickery, 63, Raymond White, 57 and Luke Wheaton, 16, all lost their lives on December 3 after an explosion in a silo that holds treated biosolids.
It is understood the explosion may have been caused by a catastrophic build-up of pressure in an anaerobic digester, a system used to process waste materials which produces methane gas.
An investigation is underway involving various agencies, including the Health and Safety Executive and Avon and Somerset police.
Inquests into the deaths of the four workers are expected to be opened in the coming days.
Wessex Water has now opened an online book of condolence for people to leave their tributes and messages of comfort.
And the firm has paid its own tribute to the workers, some of whom had worked for the company for decades.
Mr Vickery had worked for Wessex Water for more than 42 years.
In tribute to Mr Vickery, Wessex Water said: “Brian was one of our most loyal, dedicated and very hard-working employees – a Wessex Water man through and through.
“He was respected by his colleagues and never missed an opportunity to make someone smile.
“His colleagues say he had knowledge and experience like no one else did and always put others before him.”
Luke had just started his apprenticeship with Wessex Water, study
❝ Luke was everything we wanted in an apprentice Tribute to Luke Wheaton
ing at Weston College and in the Wessex Water Electrical, Mechanical & Instrumentation team.
The firm said Luke was “everything they wanted in an apprentice”.
The Wessex Water spokesman said: “Being ‘sports mad’ he blended with the team immediately.
“Luke was hard working, very committed and conscientious and eager to learn.
“His no-fuss attitude in carrying out tasks was superb and he was everything we wanted in an apprentice and future employee.”
Wessex Water described Ray, who had worked for the firm for 19 years, as a “skilled, loyal and hardworking colleague”.
The spokesman added: “Often known as ‘the machine’ because of his determination and continuous drive to get things done.
“He was a mentor to many and described by colleagues as having a love for engineering.
“Ray was a true old-school engineer and ‘if he couldn’t fix it, nobody could’.
“Ray was a very unassuming man and loved restoring vintage tractors in his spare time.”
Contractor Mr James was the owner of Beaufort Maintenance.
The spokesman added: “We had a longstanding relationship with Mike for many years.
“We will miss his dedication and experience.”
Messages can be left using an online form and will be posted on the company’s website following moderation.
A JustGiving page has been included for anyone who wishes to donate to the memorial fund set up to remember the victims.
The spokesman added: “We will ask their families and their colleagues at Avonmouth for ideas in setting up both a permanent memorial in Avonmouth and a legacy fund to support young people from the area.”
❝ Brian never missed an opportunity to make someone smile Tribute to Brian Vickery
❝ Ray was a mentor to many ... a true oldschool engineer Tribute to Raymond White
❝ We will miss his dedication and experience Tribute to Michael James