Explosion ‘potential homicide’ say police
POLICE have confirmed that the Bosley explosion is a potential homicide investigation.
Assistant Chief Constable Guy Hindle said the probe would be ‘long and detailed’ and involve looking at company records, computers and mobile phone records.
In a statement made near the scene of the disaster, ACC Hindle said: “We are continuing to investigate with the HSE to try to understand the history of the company and are working with employees and the company.
“It’s a potential criminal investigation, with the potential for four people killed in an industrial incident.
“We are working with our fire and health and safety colleagues to identify the cause.
“As with any homicide investigation there is a huge amount of work to inform the decision.
“This will include looking at computers and other records, as well as mobile phone and anything else relevant. It’s a long and detailed investigation.”
The Health and Safety Executive said claims by staff that they had no induction or safety training would form part of their investigation.
Meanwhile, the owners of the mill said they shared the pain of the community.
Wood Treatment Limited, which is owned by the Boden Group, said in a statement: “We are devastated to have received confirmation that at least three of our colleagues have died in this incident and one is still missing. They were all highly valued members of staff and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with their families at this difficult time.
“The mill has been part of village life in Bosley for almost 90 years and we share the pain of the community.
“We have made contact with all four families and are discussing how best we can help them. We are also supporting our other employees and a counselling service is available for anyone who wishes to use it.
“Our primary focus remains supporting the families of those affected, our employees and the local community as best we can while our site and facilities remain closed.
“We are absolutely committed to establishing the cause of this incident and will continue to co-operate fully with the emergency services and HSE. Company staff are on site assisting the authorities.”