Video shows scale of Didcot recovery operation

Grant Prior 10 years ago
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Thames Valley Police have released a video of the scale of the continuing recovery operation at Didcot Power Station.

The search for three missing demolition workers continues eight weeks after the boiler house collapsed killing one of their colleagues.

The short video shows around 20,000 tonnes of collapsed material still at the site.

Around 40 metres of the debris pile has been cleared so far.

Thames Valley Police said: “These debris removal works are ongoing seven days a week, from dawn to dusk.

“Whilst to date everything is progressing to plan, due to the complex nature of the collapse the recovery phase will still take some time.”

“HSE and ourselves are continuing to progress the investigation, interviewing witnesses and gathering intelligence and evidence. This investigation is running alongside the recovery phase.

“Of the debris and steel work removed, approximately 250 pieces of differing sizes and weights have been removed for evidence processing.

“A number of specialists from a range of disciplines including forensic archaeologists, metallurgists and structural engineers are supporting this work, with drones and other camera equipment being used to capture information about the debris pile and the standing structure which remains in an unsafe condition.”

The four victims worked for demolition specialist Coleman & Company.

The firm said: “Our team remain on site at Didcot, as part of recovery efforts being co-ordinated and overseen by the police and the HSE.

“We have received praise from our client on site about the professionalism, quality of the work and the dedication of the team to the task.

“Searching for missing friends and colleagues in these difficult circumstances is not easy but everyone wants to be involved in the recovery of our lads.

“The overall operation is a very complex process, and even working 7 days a week it is going to take several weeks to complete.”

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