Didcot Power Station collapse investigation to conclude next year
Police and HSE probe into 2016 disaster nearing completion
Last updated 18th Dec 2025
Thames Valley Police has confirmed that its joint investigation with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) into the partial collapse at Didcot Power Station will be completed by the end of next year.
The tragedy on 23rd February 2016 resulted in the deaths of Michael Collings from Teesside, Christopher Huxtable from Swansea - and Ken Cresswell and John Shaw, who were both from Rotherham.
Deputy Chief Constable Ben Snuggs stated that the investigation, which has been ongoing for nearly a decade, is entering its final stages. He reassured that if the legal threshold is met upon conclusion, the investigation team would request a charging decision from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) before the end of next year.
“This is a dedicated and complex investigation into the partial collapse of Didcot Power Station,” DCC Snuggs said. “Our joint investigation with HSE is almost unprecedented in its scale, and we have also been working closely with the CPS to enable us to reach this point.
“We remain fully committed to fairly and thoroughly investigating offences including corporate manslaughter, gross negligence manslaughter, and Health and Safety at Work Act offences. Our priority has been to support the victims’ families, while keeping stakeholders, witnesses, and other interested parties informed.”
The investigation has analysed over 6,500 items of evidence, reviewed 90,000 photographs, and assessed 230,000 pieces of digital media. Over 180 hours of recorded interviews have taken place, alongside 2,839 statements from witnesses and suspects.
Final interviews are underway with suspects and key witnesses, while expert evidence continues to be gathered. Additional specialist opinions have been sought to complete the process.
The investigation team remains fully staffed by dedicated personnel from both Thames Valley Police and the HSE.
The families of the victims have been kept updated throughout the investigation and will continue to receive support as the next steps progress.