Criminal charges authorised against Wessex Water after fatal Avonmouth explosion
Four workers died in the blast in 2020, including a sixteen year old apprentice
Last updated 15th Jul 2026
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has authorised criminal charges against Wessex Water following a fatal explosion at its Avonmouth facility in 2020.
Four workers lost their lives in the incident, which happened on 3rd December when a blast tore through a biosolid tank at the firm's water treatment site on Kings Weston Lane.
Ray White, 57, Brian Vickery, 63, Mike James, 64, and 16-year-old apprentice Luke Wheaton were killed in the tragedy.
According to initial reports, the explosion was thought to have taken place in a warehouse, but investigations quickly revealed that was wrong.
The Avon and Somerset Police, along with the HSE, have since been probing the circumstances surrounding the explosion, with the force closing their criminal investigation in 2024 after concluding there was no realistic prospect for a manslaughter conviction.
However, the HSE's Legal Services Division decided to proceed with charges under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act, as confirmed by a spokesperson: “Following an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive into an incident at Avonmouth … our Legal Services Division has taken the decision to authorise criminal charges against Wessex Water, for offences under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act.”
A spokesperson from Wessex Water stated: “The HSE has informed us of its decision to prosecute. We will always remember Brian Vickery, Ray White, Luke Wheaton and Mike James. Our thoughts are with their families, friends and colleagues.”