HSE investigates explosion at Avonmouth recycling complex

The explosion occurred around 11.20am on 3 December, and involved a biofertiliser silo.

Emergency services were called to the scene. Avon & Somerset Police confirmed three Wessex Water employees and one contractor were killed in the blast.

Chief Inspector Mark Runacres said: “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts and sympathies go out to them. Those officers will continue to provide them with all the support they need at this difficult time.

“A fifth person was also injured but their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening."

Runacres said the silo contained treated biosolids before it is recycled to land as an organic soil conditioner. He added that investigators "will not be speculating on the cause of the explosion while such work is being undertaken”.

The HSE confirmed it is leading an investigation into the incident with support of the police.

There was initial confusion about the location of the explosion. A news correspondent for Al Jazeera tweeted: “Avonmouth explosion looks from the pictures that it's one of the biofertiliser tanks at Geneco. Not a warehouse.”

Geneco, wholly owned by Wessex Water, treats around 700,000 tonnes a year of waste including food waste, liquid and solid materials, to produce biofertilisers, renewable gas and electricity.

Wessex Water chief executive Colin Skellett said: “We are absolutely devastated that the tragic incident at our site earlier today has resulted in four fatalities.

“Our thoughts are with the families, friends and colleagues of those involved. We are working with the HSE to understand what happened and why.”

Avonmouth is home to a host of waste and recycling companies.

Bristol Waste Company, which is owned by Bristol City Council, has closed its nearby Avonmouth Recycling Centre and Reuse Shop.

Suez also has a facility about 500m from the incident. It said that processing and transport in and out of plant of materials were unaffected.