Search teams still combing wreckage
AMASSIVE search and rescue operation continues two weeks after a devastating explosion at a mill in Bosley.
Fire crews and specialist search teams have been carrying out a painstaking operation to pick through tonnes of metal and brickwork at Wood Flour Mill after three explosions tore through the site.
They have been desperately searching for four mill workers who went missing when the explosions happened on the morning of Friday, July 18.
Three bodies have since been recovered and police announced on Monday that they had found more human remains which have been sent for identification.
The bodies recovered last week are thought to be that of Williams Barks, 51, from Cheddleton, and Dorothy Bailey, 62, who lived in a cottage next to the mill. A third body – believed to be that of Derek Moore, 62 – was discovered after crews brought down three large silos which were hindering the search.
The rescuers continue to tunnel through the debris in confined, humid conditions to try to find the body of Jason Shingler, 38, who is still missing.
Crews are still pumping water onto the site to put out pockets of fire.
The families of those who have died are being supported by members of the community, with special fundraising events and a church service to pay respects to the workers.
Sam Alston, chairman of Bosley Parish Council, said: “There is some finality in knowing this stage of find- ing the people is coming to a conclusion. People will go through a range of emotions, astonishment that it happened, distress, anger and why.
“Some have moved into the phase of doing what they can to help. There will
asking
themselves be a sense of change as everyone is accounted for, with some moving onto the next phase of grieving.
“The community is going to keep doing what can to support the families. This has made us stronger.”
Investigators continue to work to establish the cause of the incident.
Assistant chief constable Guy Hindle said: “This has been an extremely difficult time for all and especially for the families. The emergency services have acted with great courage and it has been heartening to see the community rally round to support not only the recovery effort, but also each other and the families of the victims.”
Clare Thorley, 29, from Congleton, is still in the critical care unit at a hospital in Birmingham in a stable condition.