Didcot recovery operation to last “many weeks”

Grant Prior 8 years ago
Share

Emergency services have confirmed it will take “many, many weeks” to recover the bodies of three people still missing following the Didcot A Power Station collapse.

Emergency services are using hi-tech equipment at the scene
Emergency services are using hi-tech equipment at the scene

The building suddenly came down last Tuesday killing Coleman and Company worker Michael Collings and trapping three of his colleagues.

The boiler house structure was being prepared for a blowdown scheduled for this weekend.

The families of the three missing people have now returned home from the site as the complex recovery operation continues.

Assistant Chief Constable, Scott Chilton, said: “The recovery of the bodies and site investigation will be a very complex operation and I envisage it will be many, many weeks before it is completed.

“I know that this makes it particularly difficult for the families involved, as they await the recovery of their loved ones.

“Our priority remains to return them to their families and we continue to support the families as needed.

“We are working closely with the Health and Safety Executive to establish the cause of the incident.”

Chief Fire Officer Dave Etheridge added: “Our thoughts very much continue to be with the families of those who have lost their lives and I would like to reassure them that we are doing all we can to return their loved ones to them.

“I believe the emergency service teams working on site are the best in the world and know they are using their experience and expertise to the limits.”

didcot1

The missing demolition workers are buried beneath a mountain of rubble

Coleman and Company Managing Director Mark Coleman said: “It is now one week since this terrible accident and I would like to express our deep sorrow at this heartbreaking time for our colleagues, and their families and friends.

“Nothing can prepare you for, nor are there words to express, our devastation at the events of the last week.

“All our hearts go out to the family and friends of those who have died and are still, tragically, missing.

“At this time, our over-riding priority is to support those families affected by this terrible incident.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the rescue and emergency services who rushed to the scene and brought with them world-class expertise in facing this unprecedented and hugely-challenging environment.

“The overwhelming support we have received from people who work for and with us – and above all from our client RWE – has been extraordinary.

“It has touched us deeply and we are extremely grateful for all the kind words and offers of practical help we have received.

“Finally, I would like to thank the media for their co-operation and ask them to continue to respect the privacy of the families involved and all those who are currently working on the site.”

Latest news

Carpenter killed by falling timber frame panels

Court fines specialist contractor £8,000 after site tragedy
2 days ago

Road sweeper specialist files administration notice

Go Plant lodges court notice
2 days ago

Anglian Homes rides in to finish crashed Everest contracts

Rival doubled glazed window specialist commits to complete orders
2 days ago

Final work starts to connect super sewer to London system

End in sight with 1.5m thick concrete wall to be demolished to link-up to Lee Tunnel sewer system
2 days ago

Legal challenge launched against £1.5bn A66 dualling

Balfour Beatty, Kier and Keltbray must now await outcome of court challenge
2 days ago

John F Hunt wins 24-storey Battersea tower

Specialist to carry-out demolition, enabling works and RC frame construction
3 days ago

William Hare wins steelwork on £500m Broadgate towers

Specialist to work on 2 Finsbury Avenue with McAlpine
3 days ago

McAlpine appoints MD to grow ventures business

Owain Thomas will build on private rental and healthcare development successes
3 days ago

BAM Co-op Live Arena opening delayed yet again

Another gig cancelled last night amid last minute safety concerns
3 days ago

National Grid unveils winners for £9bn network upgrade

New 'enterprise model' to deliver infrastructure schemes quicker and cheaper
4 days ago

Turkish insulation panel maker to build £45m UK factory

Assan Panel to open first UK plant at Freeport East
3 days ago

Expanding consultant Stantec swoops for Hydrock

Stantec UK business expands by a third as 950 staff join from Bristol-based engineer
4 days ago

Contractors wanted for £800m highways deal

Bids invited for Eastern Highways Alliance Framework 4
3 days ago

Galliford Try names group head of infrastructure

David Lowery promoted to Divisional Managing Director – Infrastructure.
3 days ago

Chigwell Group looks at stock market listing

Essex contractor registers as Public Limited Company
4 days ago

A57 Mottram Bypass clears final legal challenge

Balfour Beatty to get go-ahead to start shortly
4 days ago

100 jobs axed as Geoffrey Osborne confirms administration

Chairman Andrew Osborne calls it a 'sad day' as board loses fight for survival
5 days ago

Midgard set for Notting Hill office tower overhaul

Landmark project edges towards final approval after 10-year planning saga
4 days ago

Cumbrian civils firm clinches £40m Sellafield contract

Civils specialist Stobbarts will support McAlpine on groundworks and concrete
4 days ago

Designers named for London 2000-bed student rooms job

Bouygues will build £400m London School of Economics student scheme next to Tate Modern
4 days ago

£117m-turnover contractor files administration notice

ARJ Construction lodges court notice
5 days ago

£1bn London Blackfriars tower blocks approved

Trio of buildings rising to 45, 40 and 22 storeys approved by Southwark Council
5 days ago

Council decides to end Balfour deal after 13 years

Contractor has been maintaining roads across Herefordshire since 2013
5 days ago

Six civils clients to switch to low carbon concrete and steel

National Highways, Northumbrian Water and Sellafield sign fresh decarbonising pledge
6 days ago

Fortem extends homes repair deal across Birmingham

Willmott Dixon owned firm adds another two years to deal worth £170m
5 days ago

Kier wins £118m civil service Darlington hub

Work is expected to start towards the end of this year
6 days ago

Green light for 34-storey Digbeth apartments tower

480 flats will be delivered for Clarion housing association
5 days ago

LHC starts race for major retrofit and decarb framework

Hunt starts for firms to help with 6.1m social homes upgrade target
6 days ago

Windows giant Everest crashes into administration

Around 350 jobs at risk while hunt starts for a buyer to salvage business
6 days ago

Green light for £500m Newcastle health complex

Mixed use scheme will promote healthy living across all stages of life
6 days ago

Contractor services