Families Seeking Answers As To What Caused The Fatal Explosion

As further inquests were opened today into the deaths of workers following the Bosley Wood Flour Mill explosion in July this year, the families affected say they are seeking answers as to what caused the blast as they try to come to terms with what happened.

The explosion at the mill near Macclesfield on Friday 17th July killed four workers and left many others suffering with serious injuries together with the psychological trauma of the ordeal. It is believed a total of 35 employees were on site at the time of the explosion, many of them were assessed at the scene, with four people taken to hospital.

Today, two inquests were opened at Warrington Coroners Court into the deaths of Dorothy Bailey, 62, from Bosley, and Will Barks, 51, from Cheddleton. Their families, along with many of the other families of those who died in the explosion, and others left injured, have instructed specialist serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell’s Manchester office to investigate and to help provide support and assistance in managing the devastating consequences.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Police are understood to be investigating the cause of the explosion and it has been revealed that the Wood Flour Mill site was also struck by fires in 2010 and 2012.

Expert Opinion

“The opening of these inquests is just the start of what will be an incredibly difficult time for the families as they seek answers as to what caused the tragedy.

“We’re supporting several families affected, either from losing their loved ones or those who have suffered physical and psychological injuries because of what happened.

“It will take some time for people to recover from the trauma of what happened and it is important that those who were injured get the help and rehabilitation they need. Many others caught up in the blast have also lost friends and colleagues and may need counselling or therapy to recover mentally from this tragedy.

“We will now be seeking to work with the authorities as we also begin our own investigations into what happened and seek to provide the necessary support for the victims.”
Deirdre Healy - Partner

The inquests were adjourned till a later date for more investigations to be carried out.